A sign of the times? Maybe. Hopefully not.

Rating: 10/10 (4 October 2019)

Joker is disturbing. It's sick. It's nihilistic and bleak and beautiful and twisted and gut-wrenching. There's NO way this film should've made it to theaters because it's too good.
I can't see any evidence of studio interference, it's uncut, unregulated pure cinema. It's exquisitely and lovingly made. I know 5 different Oscars it should win off the top of my head.
However, I almost walked out twice because of how black this film is. It will make you nervous and physically uncomfortable and that's what it's supposed to do.
But DO NOT let anyone tell you it's "mindless violence" or any of that garbage. It has SO MUCH on its mind.
Some people call it irresponsible. Maybe it is. Displaying a degenerate and horrifying world that some degenerate and horrifying people live in is inconvenient and uncomfortable, but it should be.
It's more than just relevant. It's terrifying. And yes, Joaquin Phoenix has matched Heath Ledger's brilliant iteration. In my opinion, he surpasses it.
Go see it.