Amazing Madness

Rating: 8/10 (23 January 2020)

The Joker has been a staple in the world of DC comics and movies since the 1940's when he first appeared in the debut issue of the original comic book, "Batman", released on April 25th, 1940 written by Bill Finger. Since then, the Joker has been one of the most recognizable, favorable, and beloved characters of the DC Universe. The new 2019 "Joker" film is no exception.
In the past, the Joker has primarily been focused and prayed on as a villain in the comics and movies such as "Batman" (1989), "Batman; The Dark Night" (2008), "Batman; The Dark Night Returns" (2013), and "Suicide Squad" (2013). In the new movie, "Joker", however, the film takes a new perspective.
In the newest film, "Joker", we see a different side of the Joker portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. In the beginning of the movie, we are introduced to Arthur Fleck, who later is referred to as the Joker. Arthur is a failed street clown with a disorder that causes him to laugh at random, and often unfortunate times. Because of his disorder, he is often tormented on an off again by people all around him. In the beginning of the film, we watch Arthur struggle making a living as a surviving clown. Shortly after as Arthur is walking home, we see a group of presumably pre-teens chasing after Arthur, eventually finding and beating him violently. This scene in the movie is hard to watch but intriguing for the viewer, making them question "why?". Later, we learn more of Arthur's condition and how he often states he feels "invisible" to his therapist. Arthur eventually starts to use the clown makeup that he used for his job he was recently terminated from as a way to feel more apart of the world, or less invisible. As the story progresses, we the viewer slowly learn how the Joker became what we all know him to be, a villain.
Despite this movie being one of my favorites from the year 2019, I do feel that some aspects of the movie could have been improved, just like any other movie. I personally feel that some of the citizens in the movie who played small parts, such as the man that Arthur worked with in the clown business towards the beginning of the film could have been stronger actors. I wish some of those smaller roles had better actors playing them to better shine light on the general glory of this movie, but overall, they weren't terrible.
In my personal opinion, I absolutely loved this movie. Weeks after seeing this movie I was still raving about it. In my personal opinion, I don't know how anyone could not like, or at least in the slightest, appreciate this movie. One of my favorite characters in any movie or comic ever as a child was the Joker, despite him always being portrayed as an antagonist. I personally feel that Todd Phillips did an amazing job directing this movie. I feel that he projected a bright, new, and interesting perspective on the way the Joker is as a character. I always felt like I wanted to know more about the Joker's backstory, and with "Joker" I feel like I received just that.