Mike S reviews: "Joker" (2019)

"Joker".

Joaquin Phoenix.

Do I really need to say more?

Arthur Fleck is an aspiring comedian and party clown. After an assault, a coworker gives him a gun. Soon, Arthur begins a journey of transformation that will take him from meek and mild nobody to a bold and icon symbol of the chaos of Life... and of Death...

As a potential origin story for the DC's The Joker, this one is really quite good, and a bit more plausible than most given. It is intense, even in it's quieter moments. While it does take some license with how it deals with mental illness, it still feels suitable to the context of the characters and world they inhabit. The slow deconstruction of Arthur's mental state, and the rebuilding of it into some else is a sight to see, and an almost horrifying one at that. Simply a tightly written, and emotional story over all.

Other than Arthur, there really aren't that many characters. It's almost as if, when he's not necessarily thinking of a character, they really don't exist to him. A fascinating way to treat supporting characters. Most movies will show scenes involving characters away from the lead. Not this movie. Unless Arthur's in the scene, they don't exist- which plays neatly with a comment Arthur makes about not knowing if he really existed himself.

Arthur himself is a very interesting character. Sympathetic, and likable in a sad way. At the start of the movie, he's the sort of person you'd see on the street, feel sorry for, then move on to buying your vanilla latte and bagel. The transformation that comes over him is disturbing- but fascinating. You can't look away. Your morbid curiosity takes over, and keeps you enthralled with anticipation for the inevitable train wreck. One of the most interesting "decent into madness" characters I've seen since Michael Douglas in "Falling Down" (1993).

"Joker" is a film with amazing visuals to it as well- from the use of the Warner Bros logo from the 1980's at the start to the almost dream-like hallway sequence at the end. The colours used, the lighting, the angles and framing of the camera all work together with the awesome soundtrack to invoke the strong, intense emotions that Joaquin put into the role. I also loved the spin on the look of Joker as well. A visual treat.

If there was ONE movie from 2019 that I would say you needed to see, it would be "Joker". A solid "Good" from me.

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