Joker: A Dark Reflection of Modern Zeitgeist?

Rating: 8/10 (5 October 2019)

I don't think I have ever left the cinema feeling quite like I did after watching 'Joker'. The only way I can describe how I felt is shell-shocked. Not because of the violence but because of the disturbingly accurate and poignant reflection of our times.
Joker is technically brilliant. The cinematography is spectacular, and the 80's aesthetic works fantastically. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a career defining performance. He plays the role with an utterly watching and creepy intensity that will leave you on tenterhooks throughout. However, I feel that this film may be a little controversial for a best actor nod. Robert DeNiro plays the Murray Franklin character with a knowing ease and the scene including him towards the end of the film, although obvious, is still very shocking.
Todd Philips reaches new and surprisingly political levels with his direction. I am truly surprised that such a film could even be made in this day and age. The Joker is turned into a misunderstood 'hero' - a result of a broken society. This is a bold move. Philips has a lot to say and it seems he has found a platform to say it. The influences from films such as 'Taxi Driver' and 'A Clockwork Orange' are apparent. It is a return of the character study but with a separate agenda thrown in. I do wonder whether, much like 'A Clockwork Orange' people will be negatively motivated by this film or will people recognise it as a dark mirror?
If I were to side-line the political and social commentary of Philips and look at the piece purely as a work of cinema, I do have a few critiques. The Sophie Dumond character reveal isn't treated very subtly, and it so easily could have been. However, I do understand why they did this for general audiences. The shoehorning in of the Wayne murders was also a little clumsy and in an already busy film, slightly unnecessary, but again I understand this was probably to reassure financers.
Overall, I would say that Joker is the most pertinent film of our time. Never has a film so devastatingly represented the condemning and bitter nature of modern zeitgeist. Joker is a film that needed to be made but probably shouldn't have. I realise that this is a total contradiction but, in a way, so is the film and indeed the character of the Joker. I feel torn. I am a huge fan of the comics and the character of the Joker is utterly iconic. The film is masterful but yet I still am left with a bad taste in my mouth. I'm sure with time my opinions will settle but until then I am still in two minds. I have no doubt that this film will be studied and talked about for years to come.