Joker is dark and depressing film detailing the clown's life before his turn to a life of crime. It is a comic book movie, but it's quite the departure from the ones that most people see today. It's violence is sparse yet brutal, the score is pessimistic and discouraging, and there is no hero, it's only the antagonist as he slowly falls victim his chaos.
As a result, Joker is very much a one man show since no one is there to support Arthur Fleck (the soon to be Joker) for the most part. It's also the "make or break aspect" of the film, because if the lead performance couldn't win over its viewer, then it would easily be terrible.
Fortunately this isn't the case, as Joaquin Phoenix gives a phenomenal performance which perfectly chronicles Arthur's growing impatience with the world around him and his desire to do evil. He also gets bonus points for nailing the Joker's laugh. Simply put, Phoenix's performance alone is what makes this film worth watching, and will easily be up for awards throughout the year.
Joker's message it what makes the film falter in areas, however. The Joker is supposed to be a force of pure evil, yet the film can't decide if he's that or a poor abused puppy dog. It's unclear whether it wants us to feel sympathy for him or to despise him in the end because it seems like he's is the victim considering how he's treated. But it also tries to make it look he's dong something for the common good of most of Gotham? It can't quite decide which side to take. No wonder the internet has been a trash heap since this movie released!
The film's connection to the Batman lore also feels forced. I won't go into any spoilers, but most of the scenes involving the Wayne family could've been cut and the film still would've been just as effective as it is. In fact, the Waynes as a whole possibly could've been replaced and there would've been little to no change.
On a technical achievement, this film truly shines, especially with how it captures Arthur's character. The previously mentioned score is unforgettable and perfectly fitting of his deteriorating life, making it one of the best of the year. The cinematography matches his spite for his home city and those around him seamlessly.
The production value and effort put into the art direction shows, as the representation of Gotham is solid and the look of the Joker here is spot on, costume, makeup, and all! The editing is flawed, as there are times when it tries to help convey a deeper message but ultimately feels a bit off, but this isn't an issue for the most part and it actually works well for the most part.
Even with the film's drawback in storytelling, it gets by not just because of Phoenix but because of how the film uses him. Watching his further breakdown into madness is fascinating, particularly with his interactions with those around him. And the scenes where he is simply dealing with himself are made by his performance, as watching him accept his insanity is a revelation. It's portrayal of the Joker is spot on, even with the confused message it this might be the best representation of him yet.
Joker does fall short of conveying a clear message, but Phoenix as the Joker alone makes it worth watching as he perfectly understands what the film wants of him, and uses it to help make this an overall effective film that isn't perfect, but still hold the competence and understanding of who the Joker is to succeed.
♪ "Send in the clowns." ♪
Final Grade: B
👍🏼Great in-depth review.
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