An Honest Review

Rating: 7/10 (7 October 2019)

Phoenix was fantastic and probably does deserve the Oscar for the performance, but it's not enough to give this a 10.
I think the writers got lost in the story of mental illness and making a political statement on social hierarchys and how life isnt fair, 'that's life' unfortunately. They do it fanatasically it has to be said. You sympathise with Arthur throughout. Everyone he kills kind of deserves it you feel.
There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to his killings though it's more reactive and impulsive. Which is why Pheonix's Joker lacks the fundamentals of the original villain. That he's supposed to be a calculated psychopathic anarchist. He lacks the premeditation and intelligence of Ledger's Joker and this is why I dont think he can feature in the Batman films. Plus by the time Bruce grows up to be Batman, Joker will be an OAP!
"Some people just want to watch the world burn", but I don't think Arthur does. He's a man out of touch with reality, he doesn't know if he exists or not. He cared for his Mother and tried to make people laugh until the government cut funding his therapy and meds. It's the sad story of a deeply unfortunate life.
Overall it was a great film and again JP was outstanding, I just feel the writers lost sight that Joker is supposed to be a villain. One that will argubaly prove to be Batman's toughest adversary.