The backstory of the sympathetic villain

Rating: 8/10 (27 January 2020)

I liked this movie for the reason I believe it was written - to depict the backstory of the comic book villain. And yes, that includes mental instability, fragility, betrayal (i.e. Penny Fleck), and being the opposite of the hero - not Thomas Wayne, but Bruce Wayne. Spoiler** The moment Arthur meets Bruce sent chills down my spine. It was comic book heaven, a pure foreshadowing of events to come. And by the end of the movie as the formula dictates, both Joker and Bruce are alone in the world - the hero and his nemesis.
Phoenix came correct, no doubt - but I think he delivered more than just a mentally-ill, socially awkward nobody. He portrayed what real villains are made of, their motivations, and why they are so relentless. Like Mr. Glass (Unbreakable), Doc Oc and the Green Goblin, Maleficent, all villainy begins with societal rejection. Joker did an amazing job of showing the part we never see - how it all began.