Insane, bold and beautiful

Rating: 10/10 (5 October 2019)

A remarkable performance by Joaquin Phoenix. The last time I saw someone get that into character was Heath Ledger's own take on said psychopath. Arthur Fleck, the Joker, is a complex character, he's not just insane. He's a troubled man who just wants to make people laugh but his job as an entertainer is merely a facade for his mental problems hidden under all the makeup. The way Arthur transforms into the Joker is frightening and disturbing but it's also mesmerising, you never know if he feels trapped or free in his true form. This is not to say that Joker's behaviour is acceptable or correct in any way, he's a sick man with a contorted view on life, but it's the product of years of abuse, mental illnesses and a ruthless society. Gotham, you reap what you sow. The Joker is not for everyone, there's no villain that needs to be stopped from taking over the world, nor is there a hero, but rather Joker is made to be open to interpretation. Whether he's the victim or culprit of all the chaos is up to you.