Believe what you read - this movie is next level!

Rating: 10/10 (16 October 2019)

I'm going to be honest. I didn't really have any expectations when entering this movie. I had known of Joaquin Phoenix, however hadn't seen any of his movies (although my friends commended his acting highly). Not only am I impressed with this movie, but I don't think I will ever truly be able to get over how good it is. This movie is dark, it's twisted and it shows the affects of deteriorating mental health on a human being, especially when thrust into certain unfortunate situations one after the other. As someone who has studied media for well over five years, I can confidently say that the cinematography, the score, the directorial and acting choices, the story line are all incredibly strong in this movie, and it deserves nothing but praise. All of these elements combined create such a poetry within the world of the film.
Despite its criticisms, the choice to portray mental illness in such a way remains very authentic. (As someone who suffers from multiple illnesses described in this movie, I can vouch for this). It's often films will glamorize mental illness and portray it as cliche almost. I am incredibly happy that we finally have a film that accentuates the pure torture a mental illness has on a human being, and when being unable to access appropriate methods of mental aid, you begin to understand the Joker and his motivations.
I encourage anyone who is a movie goer, PLEASE do yourself a favor and see this movie. It hits every single mark in every single aspect of its production.