Looking through the bleak microscope of Todd Phillips' "JOKER"

Rating: 9/10 (4 October 2019)

"JOKER" 2019 REVIEW (no spoilers)
There has been memorizing buzz about the "JOKER" 2019 ever since the Venice Film Festival praise and rumors of an eight-minute standing ovation for Joaquin Phoenix hit the press. There was no way I was going to miss this opening night! As I passed several armed Chicago police officers surveying the movie theatre lobby, it became clear to me that all the conversations revolving around this film were extremely relevant! Discussions about violence, mental health, social status, subjective comedy, crime, movements/revolutions, and the unconventional anti-hero are all woven in the fabric of Todd Phillips' Gotham.
"Gotham has lost its way" - said by Thomas Wayne sparks a tear in the psyche of the city. I believe the "JOKER" 2019 addresses what could happen... what kind of world can explain what Arthur Fleck turns into. This film is a true origin story to one of the most widely known and repeated villains. Joaquin Phoenix's performance yo-yos between unsuitability and knowing himself for the first time.
I recommend this film to anyone who can stomach the violence of "Taxi Driver" and "You Were Never Really Here." Both of these slow-burning character studies have been said to have influenced "JOKER" 2019 and it shows. There are significant character chapters throughout the film bouncing back and forth cued by music, dancing and laughing offbeat.
SMALL thing about the stairs... I have a small theory/observation but do not want to say anything just yet. Going down vs. going up is all I can speak on now.
Cheers, I hope you go to the theatre soon!