I believe it to be an instant classic

Rating: 9/10 (25 January 2020)

While I won't go on record saying Joaquin Phoenix portrayed a better Joker than Heath Ledger, I will say that Phoenix as Arthur Fleck may be how I think of Joaquin in any film I see him in from this point forward. A career-defining film for him.
DIALOGUE: 8/10
Aside from the disturbing, out of place laughter, some great exchanges in this film.
CINEMATOGRAPHY: 7/10
Nothing extra special in this department. Some great shots for a movie intended to be dark.
CHARACTER BUILDING: 9/10
This movie stands alone apart from the DC Universe. It is intended to be a disturbing character study, a deep-dive into the psyche of a deranged individual. The movie pulls off what it intended exceptionally well.
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 8/10
Interesting from beginning to end. Hard to look away from a movie that will actually turn a lot of casual viewers off.
OVERALL SCORE: 9/10