"Desperate Times calls for Desperate Measures."
That old expression sums up many things in life, but it also perfectly describes the feeling and atmosphere you'll get from "Joker" - the newest entry by Warner Bros. in their expanding DC Films line-up that, while based on one of their most notorious comic book villains, is not a part of the DC Extended Universe at all. Instead, this is a stand-alone movie meant to launch a new series of "DC Black" films - which will be darker, grittier, and more in line with mature and serious storytelling - which fits quite well with the atmosphere exploring the rise of Gotham City's future Clown Prince of Crime.
As one of the movies I was very much looking forward to before the year ends, "Joker" earned a lot of hype and positive buzz for weeks - premiering in this year's Venice Film Festival and winning the top prize of the show in the coveted "Lion" award. I finally got my chance to see the film just before October set in, with Warner Bros. Philippines holding a special press screening this past September 30 (and just when I returned from my trip to Europe and the UK to boot!). Suffice to say - it BLEW MY MIND. While this is a film focusing on Batman's eternal nemesis and I'm a big fan of The Dark Knight to boot, he doesn't even exist in this film - and the primary focus is solely on the man that will eventually spiral down to a life of madness.
All it takes is one bad day... And that is explored in this artistic masterpiece of a psychological thriller film.
Directed by Todd Phillips' of "The Hangover Trilogy" fame, "Joker" is a unique interpretation and character study of the infamous Gotham City jester's rise from a failed stand-up comedian to a man who literally turns his life of tragedy into a comedy. Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix plays the titular role of Arthur Fleck - a mentally disturbed and impoverished man who tries to eek out a living as a clown and funny man. Unfortunately for Arthur, his circumstances are deplorable thanks to the way Gotham society treats the poor - as the rich and corrupt always get more and ignore the pleas of those in need. Despite his difficult situation, he tries to "put on a smile and make the world a happier place" and take care of his sickly mother Penny whom he lives with in their shoddy and run down apartment building.
Things soon turn from desperate to worse when Arthur gets fired from his job and the carelessness of his peers and surrounding community start getting to him. He also has the uncontrollable habit of laughing whenever he's nervous, adding more to the woes and pressure that's already starting to crack his fragile mind. Soon, discoveries about his past as well as being beaten up by bullies lead to Arthur finally giving in to the madness - embracing an identity that will literally bring a different kind of smile to a world that has indeed gone insane.
Absolutely epic and Martin Scorsese like in its presentation, there is plenty about "Joker" to praise and say that has to do solely with Joaquin Phoenix's performance - he absolutely dove into the part as Arthur Fleck and kept us glued to our seats as we saw every bit of psyche crumble through peer pressure and deplorable circumstances to turn him into the mad face Gotham City will come to know and fear. It's very different from past Jokers we've seen in the big screen, and while many may want to compare him to Jack Nicholson or the late great Heath Ledger, it's best to take this Clown Prince as its own unique thing. Phoenix lost 52 pounds to become a shadow of his former self, and the pathological laughter he evokes will stick in your brain as he performs alongside the likes of Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, and Brett Cullen - all of whom have a close relationship and part to play in devolving a failed stand-up comedian into the criminal anarchist who literally let go to make sense of a world gone mad. Mind you, there are also very real and sensitive themes in the movie that can affect people - especially how Arthur’s mental state is depicted and how the rise of The Joker affects Gotham society as a result. It’s very real in presentation and delivery, but it should also be a reminder that this is still a work of fiction.
So bottomline... Is "Joker" worth it? ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY. It's the mature mind trip exploration into what drives a man into desperation and insanity, and is a daring way to depict DC's Clown Prince of Crime in a realistic and gritty way that will get a lot of people talking. As it is Batman's 80th Anniversary this year, this is the perfect treat for fans and will remind them perfectly of their favorite stories about the clown - most notably "Batman: The Killing Joke" which served as one of the primary inspirations for the film. It's Academy Award worthy, and Todd Phillips' team-up with Joaquin Phoenix knocks this one out of the park.
"Joker" is NOW SHOWING in theaters and is rated R-16.
Rating - 5/5
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