During the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.
comedian talk show transformation society based on comic social commentary psychological thriller criminal mastermind mental illness anarchy character study clown makeup outsider prophetic social realism tv host 1980s mother son relationship origin story falling into madness anti-capitalist best picture nominee oscar winner
A private user reviewed Joker (2019)
No Bullshit
Joker has become somewhat divisive among individuals. I'm not really sure if I understand the issues presented. I do know, that it is a fantastic journey with Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck. Todd Phillips, thanks, for the amazing ride.
Nate H. reviewed Joker (2019)
Review from the comment
Joker is unlike any comic book originating film you have ever seen. In fact, its difficult to label it as a comic book movie at all. Instead, its a character study of a shattered man doomed by his own instability and a broken system that has forgotten how to help him. Phoenix is fantastic as Arthur Fleck, but really when has he not been? I don't know if this will go down as the cover sheet of his portfolio, but it will definitely be in contention.
Todd Phillips has absolutely laid down a work where we must take him seriously. Yes, Joker is influenced heavily by 70s and early 80s films but what is wrong with that? The current SOP is big CGI and superheroes. I like the blockbusters too but we shouldn't complain when someone dials it back to one of the greatest eras of film making. If I had to pick out anything to complain about, it would be that Arthur Fleck's fall is a little bit too much of a perfect storm for me. But the fact that we are also left in the dark as to what is real and what is in Fleck's imagination even to the end adds great balance to that small gripe of mine.