Joker 2019

Rating: 9/10 (11 October 2019)

Joker is unlike any previous DC film, with Todd Phillips forming a more political and psychological take on one of cinema's favourite villains. Joaquin Phoenix, who appeared in the Sisters Brother earlier this year, plays Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian working as a clown in Gotham City, where tensions increase day by day. Fleck wears two masks: one is his clown make-up, and one is his 'happy face', which, along with his uncontrollable manic laughter, hides the reality of his dark and deteriorating mental state. Phoenix proves the perfect choice of actor, and arguably suits this style of Joker better than any previous actors would have. This is because the Joker in this film is not so much a villain as he is a victim - very different (but not superior) to the character played by the late Heath Ledger. The way Joaquin is able to contort his face and body, as well as displaying multiple contrasting emotions at one, means his character is deeply complex and utterly disturbing. Not a huge fan of DC and action movies in general, I was originally apprehensive about seeing Joker, but it completely defied my expectations. Instead, the events are frighteningly believable, and the film is really a delve into mental illness, exposing faults in Americas' support systems for society's most vulnerable. However, for those expecting the usual explosive action of previous DC films, this one may prove a disappointment. For most though, it has been received as a cinematic work of art. Despite having been blown away by other films this year, this is definitely the best thing I've watched in a long time, and it will prove a shock if Joaquin Phoenix doesn't win the Oscar for best actor. It's something I'd recommend everyone watch as it's a very accurate depiction of mental illness, and though it left me feeling rather uncomfortable, its message is a powerful and important one, especially in our current time.