Put On A Happy Face

Rating: 9/10 (12 October 2019)

Let me start by saying that Joaquin Phoenix played this role PERFECTLY. It felt like I was watching a real person slowly descend into an abyss of heartbreaking insanity, not a fictional character. He deserves an oscar, hands down. This film is a unique work of cinematic art, but just know that it is disturbing and violent. It's rated R for a reason. This film is unique because it makes you question every little aspect and detail. What's real and what is a fantasy in the mind of Arthur Fleck? This is not an action packed DC movie full of superheroes and epic battles. It's a character film. This is how the Joker came to be. As an audience, we are watching his sanity slowly melt away right before our eyes. It's heartbreaking. This film is also incredibly realistic. Mental health is NOT a pretty little thing that some parts of the media sugar coat it to be. It is a pure struggle that nobody would want to live with and that's important to take notice of. As said before, this is a violent and disturbing film. It makes you think. Nobody in my theatre applauded when this film ended and when I left the theatre, I couldn't stop thinking about what on Earth I just watched. I'm still thinking about it. Todd Phillips did a phenomenal job as director and Joaquin Phoenix put on such a real and heartbreaking performance. The soundtrack also deserves endless recognition and praise. This film will shake you to your core.