Phoenix's acting is undisputed

Rating: 9/10 (7 October 2019)

I have mixed feelings about Joker. From an acting perspective, Joaquin Phoenix did an amazing job by delivering the story in a way where the audience can be fully immersed.
However, this isn't a movie you can watch and feel good about it afterwards. The movie forces the audience to recognize a lot of the ugly parts of modern human society. It focuses on the mistreatment of people with mental health issues, the lack of support for these individuals, and the disparity between the rich and the poor. These are topics most people try to ignore in their everyday life because we lack the answers. This film brings forth the darkness in society that we try to ignore and that is why I feel uncomfortable watching it.
I also find the revolutionary message for the poor to fight against the rich coupled with the violence in this movie to be a dangerous theme. It immediately made me think about the current events in Hong Kong, where things are already very unstable. It truly only takes 1 mentally unstable individual to take on the role of "Joker" to turn the protests into a full blown violent revolution. It also made me think about the wealth inequality in the states. I fear that this film may be the catalyst that will push an individual, who is on the fence, into committing an act of terror. The lack of social support for the mentally ill, coupled with lax gun control laws in the states make this fear of mine very probable. Perhaps I am just overthinking it and I truly hope that I am, otherwise this film will have a lot of unintentional consequences.
In the end, I still recommend watching this film. If not for the thought provoking story line, go for Joaquin's stellar performance. Either way, don't expect walking away from this film feeling good like any other superhero movie.