This was such a good movie!

Rating: 9/10 (25 March 2020)

What a great movie! I was very impressed with this whole movie beginning to end. Going into it I had heard mixed reviews, some that loved it and others that thought it was too dark. But I thought it was perfectly balanced throughout.
I had been wondering recently about how some people like the Joker, are created. Is it a state of mind that is with them from birth, that's just who they are, or is it more to do with their environment, in those who shape and hurt them. Joker, does such a good job of showing how significant the environment around someone can bring out the villain in them. He loses everything, all of his significant loved ones, friends and heroes that layer by layer the Joker is pushed closer into existance. This makes for such a believable villain compared to cliche bad guys who just want to kill everyone and hurt people because they want lots of money or power. This type of story is boring and unrelatable. It doesn't force me to think about how to treat others, it just teaches me to look out for the odd person out there who is really bad.
The joker however is such a compelling story that it forces you to consider how you treat every single person and whether your actions are bringing out the joker in someone else. The bullying from all those around the Joker and the way others mock and ridicule him, show us that they are actually the true villains.
This movie makes sense, its smart and well thought out. I really struggle to come up with any plot holes of that let it down. This is such a nice relief and joy when compared to the sloppy movie making of many other directors and writers out there. Every one of the Joker's decisions is understandable, it makes sense why he shoots his attackers, or why he chooses to kill his hero instead of himself. The movie builds itself in logical steps so that when these things happen, its shocking, but it still makes sense. You can see why his character would choose to do this. Whereas many other villains often make terrible choices, ones that are unrelatable and do not make sense with his character.
Joaquin Phoenix was a masterclass and put in such a great performance. It felt like he was literally in every scene. It looks also like he put his body through a huge strain to get it to a place where he is quite bony and looking unwell. He was so authentic and bold as well, in his dancing, laughing and even the spit running down his nose in one scene, he really commits everything for this role, regardless of what others will think. The supporting actors really help to drive the plot, but they are so secondary that it actually works well to contribute to pushing the focus back towards the Joker. His character development is the ultimate win of this whole movie, who he becomes from who he starts out as is completely different. He changes in almost everyway. He loses himself and becomes a new person, he becomes the Joker.
Overall this movie is epic. It makes you think, its smart and shocking and definitely in my top list of favourite movies. In my opinion its not too dark, I think the Joker in the Dark Knight was darker and creepier. This joker is relatable and conjures up a lot of empathy. I hope this movie can teach us all to make sure we treat all those in society with the love that they all deserve.