Sobering insight into society

Rating: 9/10 (10 November 2019)

Joker is an excellent insight (albeit exaggerated) of society's view of mental health.
Arthur has serious mental health issues, caused or at least exacerbated, by childhood trauma and his relationship with his mother. Society isn't able to support Arthur adequately and his delusions and mental health are spiralling out of control. The movie allows us to have pity with Arthur, where it's clear that the 'system' has failed him.
Throughout the movie society ridicules him, work mates, members of the public, the general population (via Murray's TV show). His interaction with the lady and child on the bus is a startling revelation as to how, even though the member of the public is made aware of his condition, still shows no empathy or understanding and merely shuns him.
Under no circumstances can we ever condone the violence, but the question Arthur poses to Murray towards the end of the movie should be a stark warning.
Ultimately, the way we treat our vulnerable members of society, our tolerance, understanding, empathy and support will determine who how society will develop. And we may well get what we deserve.
This is exceptional movie and will become a classic (although won't be on each Xmas ðŸ˜„)