Unapologetic Comic Book Horror Masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (4 October 2019)

There is a surprisingly high number of critics calling this movie empty and meaningless. I believe they are having a difficult time differentiating between the film being void of substance and their own feelings of emptiness. Joker indeed left a pit in my stomach. The kind you get when you witness something traumatizing. And this film is traumatic in the best way.
The intricate camera work is almost too close for comfort. But man, is this a beautiful looking movie. The colors are rich... the reds of the streetlights, the blue haze of the city.... creates an atmosphere that puts the viewer right into this world. The wide shots of Gotham are absolutely stunning, even as it's showing us the dirty, grimy nastiness of it.
The story Todd and the filmmakers came up with works pretty well. They borrow bits and pieces of material from the comics, but they created new beats for the story that helps it stand on its own. Not to spoil anything, but the way they introduce the lore of our characters heroic counterpart is quite affective. At first I thought it was far reaching, but by the end it comes together and makes for quite an engaging story. As for the motivations of the Joker, there is a complicated tight rope to balance. But it is understandable here. We can understand Arthur is spiraling and we can sympathize with his internal (and external) struggle. But the film is not asking you to root for or forgive him for his actions. We know he's a villain.
The violence... it's there. But not in quantity. Most other superhero films or action films have more fighting, violence, and more of
A body count. HOWEVER, the violence is brutal and visceral. This is what I believe is bothering people. As it should. It depicts violence in a horrifying realistic way.
So Joaquin Phoenix... I don't know what to really say here. He is an artist. A mad one. I respect this actor so much, and I am in complete awe of him. This man sold this. I believed it. Everything from the physical to the internal. His movements were slightly unnatural, inhuman. Behind his eyes was a pain that we recognize is there, but there is no way we can fathom the gravity behind it. his moments of emotional outbursts are so sporadic and unpredictable.... and he isn't TRYING to have them.... I could tell he was surpassed that and was trying to hold it back. That is completely amazing to me. He isnt acting he is showing us this character, like a piece of art. No one, NO ONE can deny that this performance is extraordinary. It's one that will be remembered in the future as one of the best in history. It transcends a normal performance. It's visceral, it's terrifying, it's an experience to watch. Joaquin Phoenix is an actor in the true sense. He is, in my opinion, one of the best... in history.
This is a difficult film, it's not lighthearted at all. It's a shame if you miss this though, as it's a work of art. I would recommend it as a great film, but be cautious of the blunt nasty darkness of it. It is truly a horrific masterpiece.