Punchline Hits You Where it Hurts

Rating: 9/10 (7 October 2019)

The whole masterpiece/not a masterpiece debate hinges on one thing. Is this simply a copycat movie a la some of Scorsese's finest cinematic moments or does it delve deeper than this? It certainly pays homage to and doffs its cap to Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy with some very obvious scenes. Both Sophie's and Arthur's mimed gun to the head moments much like Travis Bickle, and Arthur's delusional aspirations at becoming a stand up comic much like Rupert Pupkin. The inclusion of Robert De Niro as chat show host and comedian Murray Franklin certainly makes you very much aware of Bickle and Pupkin, quite possibly two of his most accomplished screen performances. I for one feel it's a masterpiece of sorts rather than an out and out masterpiece due to its heavy reliance on these particular films. However this in no way takes anything away from my appreciation of the movie and in fact took me back to my first experiences of watching those Scorsese films and being in awe of them. Jokers greatest achievement for me has been to combine these two films to create its own cinematic mix of potent movie craft. The character development is like watching a sculptor at work such is the painstaking way in which Arthur Flek's motivations and actions are displayed on screen. Joaquin Phoenix's acting of the part is quite simply staggering and kept me transfixed throughout the trials and tribulations he encounters. The nuances of his performance were spine tingling at times. There are two very distinct films at work with Joker and it's based on two very simple things ultimately. Inside you will find either a masterpiece or a film that comes so close to this, and this will be based on whether you have seen the two Scorsese films mentioned or not. If you've never seen those two films and see Joker fresh and unencumbered by past movie history then get ready for a deeply disturbing film that delves deeply into a dysfunctional society and the casualties it can produce.