Wow. Breathtaking movie with a LOT to chew on.

Rating: 10/10 (3 October 2019)

Just finished the movie at the first showing in town. Finished it about 30 minutes ago and I'm still reeling from what I just saw.
The acting is one of the best I've seen in recent years. The previous reviews I saw were spot on, Phoenix is MESMERIZING. The way he disappeared into the role was masterful. To be so commanding of 99.999% of the movie's screen time is a testament to his effort.
There were definitely uncomfortable parts in the movie that a part of me wanted to look away from. But the movie was so beautifully shot and the acting so riveting that I couldn't.
Yes, the movie is dark and packed with despair. But of what else could the Joker be born of? By the end of this movie, I could say to myself, "I get it. I absolutely cannot condone his actions, but I get it."
Now that I've seen the movie, I understand the negative reviews. I feel the movie is a social commentary masterpiece. But not everybody agrees with the commentary as the movie leaves a shocking message to its viewers. But it doesn't take away how beautiful this film is from a filmmaking perspective.
I'm absolutely blown away by this film and the state it left me walking out of the theater. Holy cow.