Masterpiece that proves film isn't dead

Rating: 9/10 (8 October 2019)

In a world where mindless super hero films, reboots, and bad remakes dominate Hollywood, it leaves a lot to be desired. When you actually find all great let alone a good film at times it's like wining a few hundred bucks. Joker for me shows there is hope.
Now, anyone that went into this film not knowing it was a dark, character study clearly didn't watch the trailers or read up on it, or they would know it's a backstory film that's going to be an obvious slow burn before the inevitable. Clearly, people just assumed it's called Joker so it's all Joker. Nope not by a long shot. Next time watch the trailers and read.
The story revolves around Arthur Fleck who is a wannabe comedian and semi-professional clown. Arthur does not have much luck in life let alone much to look forward to. On a side note, he's also mentally ill but many of us are so we move along the best we can.
Unfortunately for Arthur, he has a lot of bad luck in life to which he starts to crumble a bit. Later on he feels a couple of daggers that change and affect him tremendously, which results in a downward spiral resulting in The Joker or in reality Joker.
The film is very dark and set around 1981 before one of its biggest influences Martin Scorsese's King of Comedy came out. It's also heavily influenced by Scorsese's Taxi Driver with shades of Clockwork Orange and even Network. It pays off.
Joaquin Phoenix further proves or just put the nail in the coffin for anyone that he is the best actor currently working today in delivering an electrifying performance much worthy of an Oscar.
Phillips shows he is a real filmmaker with this film and also shows he's a student of 70s cinema when anything was possible. Easily one of the best of the year, if not the best.