Joaquin takes us to a twisted, dark fantasyland

Rating: 8/10 (14 March 2020)

It's hard to think of a film released in the past year that has been more polarizing than Todd Phillips' 'Joker.' Some loved it, others didn't. But most appreciated the beauty of the dark exposÃ© on a symptom of society's ignorance of the mentally ill.
'Joker' is nothing without its anti-hero lead, Joaquin Phoenix, who does what any true actor must do to get into the mindset of a poor, lost soul like Arthur Fleck. It's not just a physical transformation - which was impressive in and of itself given the actor's vulnerable, emaciated state - but it's an emotional downward spiral into oblivion that cannot be done without someone who has real acting chops. It's really no surprise this portrayal earned Phoenix a "best actor" nod. He brings Fleck's inner demons out onto the table, devolving into the monster he becomes as each minute passes before our very eyes.
Aside from the acting prowess on display, 'Joker' showcases how a DC property can come to life on screen without allowing the good guys to win. The film cuts against the grain - everything we thought we knew about a "superhero" movie comes off the rails. It makes you think, too - who is worth rooting for in a situation like this? The grittiness makes everything that much more real, albeit not in a positive way.
True, many feel conflicted about 'Joker.' On one hand, there is a "sick to my stomach" feeling that's hard to shake, which we get based on the natural good that's deep within all of us. But on the other hand, the film can be considered a modern-day cinematic character masterpiece, and that's likely the kind of legacy the film will have.