Was overall very interesting and informative

Rating: 8/10 (22 January 2020)

The Joker Movie Review
The Joker, since being released on October 4th 2019, has been awarded two Golden Globes. One was for Best Actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and the other for Best Original Score. These are just two of the many awards the film has been given. With all these accolades, it's safe to say the Joker has generated a large amount of buzz in the media. Originally, the critics were worried about the potential for the film to create violence or start an attempt to overthrow the government. But in reality, the film hasn't done anything but explain the backstory of the world's most famous villain. The producer, Todd Phillips, uses many different strategies to depict a man suffering from mental illness and being ignored by everyone.
Mr. Phillips and his Cinematographer, Hildur Gudnadotti, use heavy cello music to make the entirety of the film feel slow, eerie, and profound all at once. This music fits the setting and mood of the story and was a great addition.
Phillips also gives many glimpses inside the Joker's personal background and the thoughteam he has as a result. The quote "you wouldn't get it" comes up a couple of times in the film. He tells his therapist this while she flips through his journal and reads all his twisted jokes. He also eerily mentions this to the prison guard when the guard asks why he's laughing. This quote does a phenomenal job of portraying how sick and evil the Joker truly is. The Joker simply answering, "you wouldn't get it" sets a more ominous feel than if he just flat out told the audience.
Another simple way Phillips was able to make the film more believable was to choose the right actor, Joaquin Phoenix. Joaquin was the best choice for the lead role because he has the "it" factor. Joaquin accurately illustrates the clunky misshapen look of a depressed outcast. This is what keeps the audience feeling the desired sadness instead of taking it as a joke. If any other actor painted his face like a clown, had a laughing disorder, and danced awkwardly it would instantly switch to a comedy. The unfunny and shy nature of the Joker explains why he was invisible and people avoided him. Although people did not necessarily connect with him in person, they were able to empathize with the fact that he was at the end of the day, just trying to be loved and accepted.
Overall, I would recommend this movie if you do not have a problem with prolonged sadness and violence. At the end of the film it teaches everyone a valuable lesson about mental illness. I would also recommend this film if you are interested in the origin of Batman and the Joker. On a different note, I would not recommend seeing the Joker if you enjoy a happy ending. Likewise, if you value historical accuracy, this is not your movie.