Hopefully Phoenix sign up for Joker 2: The Hangover

Rating: 7/10 (10 February 2020)

SYNOPSIS:
Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) suffers from Pseudobulbar Affect (condition that causes you to laugh uncontrollably) and is seen as an outcast of society. He's trying to make it as a stand-up comedian, but after one violent incident he becomes a psychopathic murderer.
REVIEW:
This is a very dark film that really works in so many ways. I didn't connect all the way with the film, however. At times the film very much drags and I actually liked it a little less on a second viewing.
POSITIVES:
The directing and cinematography in this film were next level. So many stellar shots and Todd Phillips really captures the essence of Gotham and how that world is. The color palette of the film gives real emotion to the atmosphere. Starting as a warmer and blurred vision while Arthur was an innocent man trying his best to move along And then the transition to a colder blue and clarity when he starts to turn and stay off his meds indicating a misguided idea of clarity while off of his medication. I loved the divide in classes in this film showing how those in poverty are seen as more chaotic and less important. This commentary is so true when you consider how we glorify entertainers in a near toxic way. The way that the writing really has you trying to figure out what's real and what's not is so smart and clever. It adds so much to the film and show what Phillips has the potential to do.
JOAQUIN PHOENIX:
Yea, so this performance also deserves its own category. I'm not sure if it was Todd Phillips or Joaquin Phoenix that decided to give Arthur the condition, but that was a tier-1 decision. I can't imagine another actor being able to do what Phoenix did in this film. This performance is one that will be shown in acting classes for years to come.
NEGATIVES:
the biggest thing with this film is that it can drag. A lot of shots that the film sits on for a little too long. I understand it the build up to see the full 180 from Joker, but it didn't add much for me. Maybe this isn't a very credible observation, because this is one of those films that feels a bit long for me, but there not a single scene I'd take out. Similarly with Avengers: Endgame (although I liked Endgame much more). I felt this way after my first viewing and so I wanted to give it a second shot and I felt the same way on round 2. Even more so.
CONCLUSION:
This film is definitely a technically well made film with very good directing, editing, acting, cinematography, score, etc.. There a few memorable scenes in this film that people will re-watch over and over. I wish I could end it on that, but this film, although barely edging out 2 hours, I felt it went on a little long. I did like the transformation and not enough can be said about Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix on this one. 7.2/10.