Joker: A Film Marred by Racial Ambiguity and Incoherent Messaging

• Release date: October 4, 2019
• Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Shea Whigham, Bill Camp, Glenn Fleshler, Leigh Gill, Josh Pais, Hoyt Vaughn, Rocco Luna, Marc Maron, Sondra James, Murphy Guyer, Douglas Hodge, Dante Pereira-Olson, Carrie Louise Putrello, Sharon Washington
• Genre: Crime, Drama
• Director: Todd Phillips
• Producer: Todd Phillips, Bradley Cooper, Emma Tillinger Koskoff
• IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Plot of the movie

Arthur Fleck tried to be a comedian but didn't make it. He feels lonely in a big crowd. He tries to connect with people while walking in Gotham City. Arthur wears two masks. One as a clown for work, and the other to pretend he fits in. Society ignores and bullies him. It makes him isolated. This leads Fleck to slowly become the Joker. Who is a criminal mastermind, descending into madness?

A detailed review of “Joker”

"Joker" has a really dark and intense vibe. It does something different with comic book stories. It's not like "Taxi Driver" or "The King of Comedy." It doesn't really delve into feelings of being left out or exploring uncomfortable ideas. The director doesn't seem bothered about social problems. He likely doesn't care much about it.

The film stars Joaquin Phoenix. He gives a strong performance as Arthur Fleck, a troubled street clown in what seems to be 1980s Gotham. Despite being promoted as a standalone film without connections to the DC Universe, it includes familiar elements like the "Arkham" asylum. "Joker" got an R rating. It's the first DC movie with that kind of rating. This rating is earned through shocking and violent scenes. 

The story follows Fleck's descent into madness. He gets oddly obsessed with a talk show host played by Robert De Niro. The movie has some good moments. Phoenix's acting is impressive, but it doesn't say much about society. It shows Fleck feeling isolated. Also, the violent scenes try to shock but don't have much meaning. 

The interactions between Fleck and other characters, like Zazie Beetz's role, can be confusing. The film takes shots from "A Clockwork Orange," focusing too much on being important rather than entertaining.

In general, "Joker" has its good parts. Joaquin Phoenix's acting and some good supporting actors make it watchable. But it feels messy when trying to say something important. The attempts at social commentary seem like bad ideas.

 

Suggested Read: "The Killer" Review: Fincher's Visual Prowess Grapples with Mundane Menace