All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy. That's how far the world is from where I am. Just one bad day.

Rating: 10/10 (4 October 2019)

Positives:
+ Joaquin Phoenix gives a tremendous performance as a meager man that slowly descends deeper, and deeper into the bowels of his own madness. He nails the laugh even better than Ledger did, and at first while he doesn't command much presence on screen, as the film pushes on he becomes more, and more disconnected from reality, he transforms into a person who owns every scene.
+ The film's cinematography by Lawrence Sher (The Hangover, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) is incredible, and nearly all of the selected shot composition throughout the film is stunning. It is a grim, dark, and murky film to watch, but it also carries a strange beauty from one transition to the next.
+ The film's story may seem somewhat shallow at first glance, but it is filled with plenty of intrigue, and depth. It keeps the audience guessing as to what Joker will do next, and never once falls back on tropes or cliches.
+ This is first, and foremost a character piece. It is not some high budget action, crime shoot 'em up as some may desire. The film takes it time to set the stakes, and build the tension until it snaps like a guitar string. Leaving the viewer in awe.
+ The pacing is superb, and 2 hours went by super quickly. Even the slow scenes aren't inherently slow as they leave the viewer on edge due to either the uncomfortable nature, and spiraling tension.
+ There are plenty, PLENTY of easter eggs, and subtle comic references that will excite any DC diehard. There are also many moments, and shots that most will recognize from previous comics, games, and film. This film never once goes heavy handed with the references. So, you won't have to worry about them breaking immersion.
+ The film is very hilarious in some parts to an almost "black comedy" degree of dry humor. This is definitely needed to bring some moments of levity in an otherwise very serious film.
+ The score is good, and features a plethora of solid song choices that convey the overall tone, and depth of the film itself.
+ Todd Phillips may have been a surprise pick for some to direct, but he really nails the little things that make a film smooth to watch, and experience. I was never taken aback by any strange directorial choices, or questionable editing. The film is as smooth as it is intelligently written.
Negatives:

A couple characters aren't as fleshed out as I would've liked, but those characters didn't need to be written that way due to their overall insignificance in the mind of the Joker.

Some of the CGI blood is noticeable in one scene in particular, but it doesn't detract from the viewing experience in the slightest.

It ends.

Rating: 10 out of 10
Final Thoughts: Joker is the first attempt at a standalone film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Many people had mixed feelings when it was first announced, but after Joaquin Phoenix's name was attached to the project many people, myself included, started to buy in to the hype.
From the moment the film starts there exists a palpable tension that something is just "off", and that feeling never ceases especially as Arthur slowly begins his spiral downward into the Joker identity. The uneasiness, and distressing nature is unrelenting as the film progresses until truths are revealed, and things happen that may or may not be the result of Arthur succumbing to, and slipping into his deepening insanity.
The film's most impressive positive for me is how intelligent it is, it never holds the audience's hand. It just expects you to either pick up on the meanings, and follow the story from beginning to end without being lost. Any film that respects it's intended audience is worthy of praise.
In summation, Joker is a fantastic interpretation of the legendary character, and it will no doubt receive it's share of praise. It is a very layered film with many meanings, and plenty of symbolism that reflects the modern day struggles that many have with mental illness. Especially undiagnosed mental illness, and how some people view those that have mental health problems as unimportant, and how if untreated or unappreciated they can turn into a psychopath. This is not a kid film, as it does not have Batman (obviously) or any sort of action that a kid would undoubtedly want to see. This is a film created for diehard fans of DC, Batman, and the Joker himself. It is a love letter to those who have been awaiting a DC film on the level of the Nolan Batman trilogy.
I highly urge everyone to see this film, and decide how they feel for themselves because I am positive that many will not like this style of movie for the character of the Joker. Personally, this film is near flawless for what it was aiming to accomplish, and while at first I walked out with mixed feelings after digesting what I had just saw, I have really no complaints with this movie, and will most certainly be seeing it again.