I've never had a movie make me feel this way

Rating: 8/10 (11 October 2019)

This is my first review and I apologize for its length. I will not reveal any spoilers and it is simply my opinion. I have broken it into two reviews, a quick review and an in-depth review for those who are interested.
Quick Review: 8/10
The performance by Joaquin Phoenix is something that will be talked about for some time and the movie itself will continue to spark debate. The cinematography is gritty and real and easily evokes Martin Scorsese's New York City of films. While the amount of violence is relatively tame compared to, say a Saw movie, it is very gritty and real, a la Taxi Driver. Superficially, the plot is quite simple: a man gets continually beat down by people and society until one day he hits back, but below that, it is a character study. Todd Phillips stepped out of his usual comfort zone of comedies and has given us a comic book drama. Some people believe that this movie should not have been made and it should be banned, but I disagree. Other than the obvious Freedom of Speech right, I actually applaud the filmmakers for making this movie, not because I agree with the message or because I loved the movie. I believe that it took strength to make this movie. It was obvious from early on in the filmmaking process that this movie would generate buzz and controversy (good or bad), and the filmmakers held their ground and made the movie they wanted. Let me also be clear that this movie is meant for mature audiences only. Don't let the fact that this is based on a comic book character mean that younger audience members should see it. This movie is R-rated for very good reason and parents and/or guardians should be cautioned when it comes to younger audiences.
In-depth Review:
I don't consider myself a connoisseur when it comes to movies, but I do hold myself above the average moviegoer. I am not a critic and I usually don't write reviews, however, this movie has left me with a feeling I've never experienced before. Let me first say that I am in awe of Joaquin Phoenix. I was very uncertain of how he could portray this character and if I even wanted to see a new Joker; I am of the opinion that Heath Ledger's portrayal of the iconic villain is the best among the movies, followed by Jack Nicholson's classic take. Phoenix is almost unrecognizable, both physically and in makeup, compared to his other famous roles like Gladiator, Her and Walk The Line to name a few.
I came out of this movie with an unsettling feeling, something I've never had, not even from the scariest horror movies. Is Phoenix's transformation something to behold? Yes, without a doubt. I truly believe he is one of the greatest actors of our time and even courageous, this movie has been surrounded by controversy and whether you agree with this movie being made or not, it took courage from all who made this to stand by the finished product and see it through to the end.
So why was I unsettled by this movie? Did I dislike it? Did I love it? Do I sympathize with the character? I did not dislike the movie, but I can't say I loved it either. When I talk about love for a movie, I mean it is a movie that I would see again and again and everything about it was beyond expectations. I can't say that I will see this movie again and again, in fact I don't really see the need to watch it another time. However, I am very glad I did see it my not seeing it again is not to say I didn't like it. I know there is much controversy about sympathizing with the Joker and that if you do, then you're not a good person, it's not right to be sympathetic to a maniacal killer like Joker. Let me first say that I sympathize with Arthur Fleck, not Joker. Arthur is not a bad guy, he is a man who has a traumatic history and is unable to get adequate help from a flawed system. That, coupled with his economic class and being surrounded by a society of unrest makes me sympathize for him. It is these circumstances that end up creating the villain of the title's namesake.
Watching Arthur's descent is difficult and disheartening. It is not one instance that turns this man into the Joker, but the combination of them all. I know there are some who will take offense to what I'm about to say, but I can understand how Arthur becomes Joker. That being said, I understand that there are many people who have endured similar, if not more, circumstances and events, and have never gone on to harm or kill anyone, but this movie is not about those who haven't. Like I said previously, I don't sympathize with Joker, I sympathize with Arthur.
Todd Phillips did an amazing job in bringing his vision of the origin of Joker to life. Phoenix embodies the character and gives a performance that will be talked about for years to come. Love it or hate it, this movie will be talked about for its content and it's parallels with our society today.
If you are looking to find a movie about redemption and hope, you will not find it in Joker. If you are looking for a comic book movie, you will not find it in Joker. What you will find is a movie with excellent performances from the cast, beautiful and gritty cinematography, a bleak and, at times, unpleasant score that perfectly matches the tone of Gotham City.