Has the Joker Been Forgotten?

Rating: 4/10 (7 October 2019)

Throughout history we have always replaced characters in our culture. Pan the god of nature in paganism was translated into the devil in Roman Catholicism in order to bring social coherence. At the moment, there is no other figure in pop culture to represent the Devil and his meticulous maniacal ways like the Joker. Unfortunately, in this film that has been forgotten.
It hurts me to say, as Joaquin Phoenix is one of my favorite actors but he broke the golden rule laid out by Robert Downey Jr's character in Tropic Thunder- "Never go full........!" There was no moment that I felt in awe with the characters meticulous planning, cunning, and depth to speak to the chaotic narcissism within us all. This was all excellently depicted by Heath Ledger's eternal performance in the opening scene of The Dark Knight.
I was waiting for that Keyser Souse moment when Phoenix's joker would take control and display a black mirror to the audience that he had been pulling the strings all along. This never came. Instead, he was a sorrowful victim of society that simply threw a tantrum and lost control, instead of being empowered, taking control and becoming the anarchistic social commentator we all know the Joker to be in the comics and films.
Forest Gump, The Rain Man, Mr Robot. These are all excellent depictions of people suffering mental health issues. The writers and actors remembered to always represent these characters with a level of ingenuity that leaves the audience in awe and a better understanding to their different cognitive approach to society. This was sadly forgotten by Phillips and Phoenix, as all that was displayed was a victim of the cruel fist of society. These people who have been banished are so much more, and for that I felt the performance to be a vulgar insult.
I have been a true fan of the narrative of Batman and the Joker, and the intriguing dualistic narrative displayed over decades. However, if they were to meet in this universe for a much needed sequel to represent Joker's crime lord life, it would have to be a grudge match between Christian Bale's The Machinist and Phoenix's malnutritioned Clown Prince of Crime. The Fact of the matter is that this performance was never threatening.
I will forever love Joaquim Phoenix as an actor as he gave me my favorite film 'Her' but I felt that the mark was sorely missed here. I will rewatch the film hoping that I missed something. However, the film was nothing more than it's extended trailer. I was not exposed to intriguing revelations, nor was I challenged on the ideas it presented. Basically, if it is nothing more than it's trailer it is not a good film.
The reviews I have read are full of superlatives and explanations, adorning the film without saying why! I hope that Heath Ledger's incredible performance will not be over shadowed by an Oscar win for Joaquin Phoenix as that would mean that the Joker will truly be forgotten.