Enjoyable if deivative

Rating: 8/10 (24 February 2020)

Not, in my view, the masterpiece it is claimed to be, but certainly enjoyable and highly watchable comic book film that extends that genre into Scorsese psychopath territory. References to Taxi Driver and King of Comedy appear to be an attempt to deepen the character of the Joker here. These references also have the reverse effect, however of making you miss the relative subtlety of the the films being referenced. That said, the lead performance is enjoyable to watch, and so self-confident in its masochistic wallowing it is not surprising that young men in particular relate to this film and see a lot of profundity in its pessimistic view of a man's place in modern urban living. The anti-hero's inability to fit in, get a job and a girl, make him all too likely a hero for young, out of work guys struggling to be males today. Good performances in secondary roles and background detail, gritty photography and interesting use of music add to the overall texture and enjoyment. So great entertainment, great as a comic book film, but too black and white in its world view of rich and poor, or too self-contained in the central character's head, minus the necessary irony/tragedy, to make this truly great.