A New Take on the Joker

Rating: 9/10 (16 October 2019)

Being used to disappointment by Hollywood, I'm always a bit wary of over-hyped movies. Especially when the hype precedes a major release. But the Joker delivers on all expectations and then some.
Joker is an interesting character study into the descent of madness -- always a fun topic. Yet, the film goes beyond its protagonist and examines the forces that allow such evils to exist. Make no mistake, this film is dark, nihilistic, and gritty.
There is also something authentic about superhero movies without actual superheroes. Joker's lack of superpowers lets the viewer put themselves in the protagonist's shoes. I also appreciate films that allow its audience to emphasize its villain. The fact that this character transformation can (and has) happen in our real-world adds another layer to the dark nature of the film.
If the themes don't make the film dark enough, the cinematography and violence will. The entire film is run through a dark green filter that creates a dreadful mood throughout. Violence is R-rated and leaves little to the imagination. A much-appreciated move considering the overabundance of PG-13 movies out there.
Soundtrack is beautiful and is artful. It's obvious that careful thought was placed for each scene for music and composition. The darkest scenes of utmost despair paired with soundtrack dissonance is stunning.
Yet, the film seems somewhat incompatible with the DC version of the Batman universe. With the disconnect between this film and DC, it makes the film no better than Taxi Driver with clown make-up. But the ambiguity that comes with an unreliable narrator leaves lots of room for imagination. Not a lot of points to be taken off there.
4.5/5. Beautiful, artistic, and dark. Easily Joaquin Phoenix's magnum opus so far.