Beautiful film, outstanding performance

Rating: 10/10 (11 November 2019)

**BACKSTORY**
If I had to describe this movie in one word, it would simply be "beautiful". From the cinematography, to the acting & improvising, to the outstanding score, Joker is by far my favorite film ever made.
If you knew me before this review, you'd know that I used to always choke up when asked what my favorite film was. I could not answer, and any answer I gave was not sincere in the slightest. This one however, is.
**IS IT A COMIC FILM?**
I will say this; it's not really a comic book film at all, it is *loosely* based off of the character "Joker", so you shouldn't go into this film expecting it to be 1:1 lore, but in my opinion that plays a key in making it so good. If this movie (in my opinion,) went with a more comic-like approach, I would not have enjoyed it as much as I do and I am certain about this. Take my advice, when you watch this movie, don't go in with the mindset that you're gonna see "Joker" the comic villain, go in knowing this is a film about a guy who just wants to make people laugh & smile, and is challenged by the harshness of the world he lives in. With this mindset, I can guarantee you will enjoy this film much more, just keep the DC lore to a minimal.
I know what you're thinking, "Well then, why is it called Joker?"
Like I said, it's *loosely* based off of the villain, and just a creative take on his backstory. Other than that, I don't really have any great explanations for you other than I simply enjoyed the film better by looking at it from a real world stand-point.
**REVIEW**
Joaquin's portrayal of Arthur Fleck was phenomenal! He reportedly lost ~52 pounds for the part, and it really shows during the film. The performance is INCREDIBLE. His uncontrollable laugh comes to mind, as in every scene it happens you can just feel the suffering Arthur is going through, there's a particular scene that I won't go into details about, but let's just say finally catches a break, and it's all ruined from his nervous laughter. These moments really show just how great Joaquin is as portraying emotion, you can feel every bit of the character's emotions through this film. Everything from his uncontrollable laughter, to his adorable kid-like nature, everything about this character seems real and genuine like he lost himself in the part.
Joker would not be what it is without the collaboration of Joaquin Phoenix and Todd Phillips. Had Phillips not given Phoenix so much freedom, I don't believe this film would have been as successful and Todd know's this, he's acknowledged it in an interview with (I forgot who) by saying something along the lines of "You wouldn't be a great director if you had an actor like Joaquin Phoenix on and NOT allow him such freedom." Not word-for-word, but you get the drift.
When you watch this film, pay attention the colors. The colors beautifully match the feeling of every scene, with the orange and cyan blue light's it really makes for a beautiful film, you can pretty much find a great still in every single scene that is filmed.
**OVERALL**
I give this movie a 10/10 and I've never felt so sure about a rating in my life. I think it is perfect, and honestly I do *not* want a sequel, this film is perfect as a one-off and I HIGHLY recommend you see it in theatre's before it is too late, this is not a film you want to miss the experience of seeing on the big screen.