It is difficult to describe the unbelievable awesomeness of Phoenix in the title role.

Rating: 10/10 (19 October 2019)

One would imagine that this would be a tortuously difficult film to deliver. And yet, Phoenix does just that. Somehow he gives us the forced, maniacal laughter of the Joker and despite the iconic deliveries of the past, this one tops them all. Phoenix somehow captures the insane joy - the release - of becoming the Joker. Honestly, the plot is not all that much, and the writing is so so.... But... Good heavens... Phoenix reminds us of what a talented actor can do with so little. He completely inhabits this character and we find ourselves laughing along with him, with the same maniacal joy. How is this even possible? We know what will happen but we hunch forward in our seats, trying against all odds to anticipate what Joaquin will give us. A masterpiece of acting. No, really, this is not an exaggeration.
It doesn't hurt that the supporting cast is also rock solid. DeNiro is the perfect foil, the consummate showman versus the deranged madman. DeNiro is perfectly cast, but there is not even a whiff of ego. He delivers this role with precision - he doesn't allow his persona to step into the film. Beetz also delivers well although we don't see her step outside of her usual territory. To be clear, that's fine, that's how she was cast, and to her credit she doesn't try to steal the show from Phoenix, who, yeah, is just, yeah, burning bright like a magnesium flare.
Wow. Just wow. I'm identifying with the Joker after this film. How is that even possible?