'Joker' Review

Review: 'Joker'

Send in the Clowns plays during the film’s credits, selections from a different Sondheim musical, Sweeny Todd is more appropriate for the film’s tone.  Joaquin Phoenix stars as Arthur fleck, struggling comedian. Phoenix steps into a role defined past performances from Ceaser Romero to the late Heath Ledger. Which comes with the weight of audience expectations, enough to define a film before it's release. Meeting and exceeding thirds preconceptions is a daunting task for most performers and filmmakers.

Phoenix is more than up to the task. Delivering a performance that provides a new depth of a character one assumes has no surprises left. His character study is one of the decade’s best and is destined to be iconic. Each quirk, physicality, and nuance progress Arthur’s tragic story. Including a terrifying laugh, evoking memories of Tom Hulce in Amadeus. While painting a portrait of a man at odds with society. Who serves as the film’s antagonist. His fate may be predetermined but it’s no less compelling.  Phoenix captivates our attention every moment he is on screen. He speaks volumes even when accompanied by silence. Those scenes offer some of the film’s most compelling moments. It’s time for another Joker to win an Academy Award.

The other metamorphosis is the film’s director Todd Phillips.  A transformation that began with 2016’s phenomenal and underrated War Dogs. Unlike Kafka’s protagonist, he emerges something greater: an acclaimed filmmaker and storyteller. He deserves to be recognized with a nomination for Best Director although he may fall victim to strong competition. Which would be a tragedy in of itself.

Phillips brings Gotham to life in a way that feels gritty and modern. Joker feels relevant despite its fictional settings. A difficult balance/ cha; the challenge for most films but one Joker achieve seamlessly. The film draws inspiration from pictures like Goodfellas and Mean Streets, honoring their spirit without being a direct remake. Another Scorsese tribute is the casting of Robert De Niro as Murray Franklin, a Gotham talk show host, an homage to his role in King of Comedy.  The film masters the art of suspense as it slowly builds the hype for Arthur and Murray’s inevitable confrontation.  There were countless moments I found my jaw on the floor, oblivious to how it ended up there.  The film keeps the audience on the edge until the concluding scene. The ending delivers an emotional impact akin to a gut punch.

Iconic DC characters appear throughout the film.  They are used in a limited measure, making them memorable despite limited screen time. They feel original despite appearing in past adaptations and interactions. Which can be attributed to them being presented in a new light. The film master’s the art of the origin story, a hurdle for most reboots.  The audience's appreciation of the film isn't determined by their familiarity with the source material.  It managed to be a solid standalone picture and shows all a film needs is a compelling story. It’s a breath of fresh air in an era of big-budget blockbusters.

The film’s R rating allows it greater flexibility in the content portrayed onscreen. The film is unflinching in its depiction of violence and has no pretenses, pushing the envelope for r rated films. This does not come at the expense of the film’s quality. 

The film is a masterpiece and is destined to be iconic. Joker shows it's possible to deliver a layered story with an emotional depth that resonates with audiences. It beaks bold new ground for storytelling in rated films. While giving a glimpse of the genre’s future. It should serve as a blueprint for filmmakers for delivering standalone stories and films. It’s a bold ambitious film that is haunting and memorable. It resonates long after you leave the theatre. We may not be laughing at Arthur but can't look away.