A raw and unflinching movie about severe mental illness - with not a caped crusader in sight...

Rating: 9/10 (20 November 2019)

Well, this movie completely blew me away. I suppose it will remain polarising to audiences due to the subject material, and the way it is presented. But don't be fooled into thinking that this is merely a superhero romp, or some similar variation. The core of this movie is an examination of severe mental illness, depicting a horrifying condition largely from the perspective of the sufferer. You are also given a birds-eye view of the world that surrounds such an illness. The consequences to other individuals and the wider community are portrayed with frightening accuracy and honesty. An understated and carefully crafted subplot, serves as an origin story to the supervillain... Stylistically, the movie is homage to Martin Scorsese, and you can't miss the nods to several of his gritty pieces. As well, I'm sure I felt the influence of other films too, such as 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' and 'Network'... Regarding Joaquin Phoenix's performance, I can't recall a more raw and gripping character portrayal. I reckon that this will come to be regarded as the definitive portrayal of severe mental illness by an actor on the silver screen. Phoenix has to be hands-down favourite for every upcoming major acting gong, and this is the best movie I've seen in a long time.