A seminal work of our generation

Rating: 9/10 (13 October 2019)

An incredible film, and in my opinion a seminal work of our generation. For those who'd like that statement justified with a deeper review, (but no spoilers) read please on for my ramblings.
Beautifully shot with allot of low light and shallow depth of field cinematography, its classic intimate film making that you can't help but love. The Oscar worthy directing of Todd Phillips is phenomenal and although his back catalogue claims some of my favourite films you'd never guess that this was from the same director of Old School and The Hangover. The style of film making contradicts the current trend for bleached and over sanitised film making born from the generation Netflix. If you've seen and adored The Kings Speech or the newest series of Top Boy this is gonna tickle your filmic fancy.
The performance by Joaquin Phoenixa is as intense as you'd expect it to be from him, and for an anyone that remembers Gladiator and has seen his mockumentary 'I'm Still Here' you'll recognise the character traits and the intensity of his delivery as essentially being part of his real-world personality. The music and scene construction is spellbinding almost to the point of being shocking, and for me as someone who struggles with the willing suspension of disbelief the level of submersion is as palpable as it is wonderful, you live in this film through the Jokers eyes.
I'm not going to comment on the socio-political insights as their inclusion is subjective and I don't believe its meant to be a comment on the state of the world, although there's certainly allot to read in to. What is worth a thought is the affect that cutting public services can have on the most vulnerable people in our society, particularly those who've suffered abuse or poor mental health. Unlike the opinion of some American authorities i don't think it'll inspire violence or public disorder but you will love it and you will always remember watching it in the cinema.