I’d rather it was a regular, non-comic book guy who gets pushed too far.
This is probably the best movie that has the Joker it it. I think there are far more offensive and far more destructive films out there. I don’t give a shit about any controversy. The movie is also trying to make a point about failing those with mental health issues. Is it not? Gotham City in this film looks and feels no different than any big American city now. People don’t like that the movie is blaming society for the seeming rise in violent & dangerous men. I admit that I did feel somewhat sympathetic toward his character to start with. I think the issue here may be that people think the Joker was portrayed as a sympathetic character and one who disturbed people may see as a sort of hero. Why are we suddenly worried that a movie will push some people over the edge? Or is it because of social media that we just hear the complaints more these days? I remember it being controversial but did people freak out quite as much when Natural Born Killers came out? But movies like this one have existed for years. I can see people thinking the movie may encourage people who feel fucked-over by society to engage in violent and destructive behavior. I suppose I better address some of the controversy. – I’ll forever be sad about that one the way younger people still aren’t over Heath Ledger). I don’t care – I’ll never have to work with him! I preferred River Phoenix anyway (R.I.P. I guess it worked in the case of Joker as it’s certainly Joaquin’s performance of a lifetime. I think all artists should be allowed to be difficult (within limits, obviously) if it produces great results. I totally agree there’s a double standard there and it’s unfair. Yeah, yeah – Actresses aren’t allowed to be “difficult” while actors are called brilliant when they behave that way. I did think Joaquin Phoenix was fantastic and absolutely deserves to be nominated for an Oscar for his performance (even if it sounds like he’s a pain in the ass diva to work with). I liked the film’s tone and its score was perfect for it. I do really like my top five or six and The King Of Comedy is one of them, so I did enjoy Joker’s homage to that film and its brilliant use of Robert De Niro. I think Scorsese’s films are very good, although he’s not a favorite director of mine as his movies aren’t usually my type of thing. It truly is more like a Martin Scorsese film (specifically The King Of Comedy, as everyone knows). Hell, it barely felt like the Joker character to me. What I did like, not being a comic fan, is that Joker didn’t feel at all like a comic book or DC movie. This review is based only on my opinion as a lover of film. I have NO knowledge of the comics or these characters beyond what’s been shown in movies. Okay – I don’t know Mark Hamill’s version but do love the guy so would likely enjoy his Joker. I’m even almost starting to hate Christopher Nolan’s films as they’re SO overhyped by obsessive fans (although I did think Heath Ledger was very good). I haven’t really liked either character since Tim Burton’s versions in 1989. I have to admit I’m sick of “comic book” movies but especially sick of Batman & the Joker. Is it a masterpiece? Not in my opinion but I wouldn’t argue with those who did love it as I can see the reasons why. This is a good film with a great performance. Can’t wait for the next Shitstorm when this is up for Oscars! Anyway, while things have calmed down a bit, I’ll now review this. Do I swear too much?! When I tried typing “cinemas” just now my spellchecker changed it to “cuntbags”. While people were using the phrase “toxic white males” yet again (as if ALL humans aren’t toxic pieces of shit) and while America was freaking out about people potentially being shot in cinemas showing Joker since America allows everyone to walk around like armed vigilantes. Plus I didn’t really have the energy to review it while everyone was freaking out about it on Twitter. I guess it’s about time I review this? As it came out in October, I didnt review it as I was only posting horror movie reviews. Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances ConroyĪn origin story set in 1981, the film follows Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill failed stand-up comedian who turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City.