It's dark, it's real... it's genius

Rating: 9/10 (14 October 2019)

It's about time we concerned ourselves with this super-villain's origin, and I don't mean just for the sake of understanding the world of Batman... I argue that this film brings the audience closer to understanding our own nature as humans--aspects of our biology and social psychology that we try to dismiss. But, as I believe the film shows, ignorance is not bliss.
The film is visceral. Step outside the shelter you thought the world was, and cross the tracks into the other side of Gotham City. You'll quickly find things don't always go the way you think they should. Of course, every movie is just a window into a world that you have no say in. But this one really makes you put your hands on the glass and tell yourself that if you were there, you would have made things different, you wouldn't have allowed these bad things to happen... But is that really true?
In super hero movies, Batman for instance, you constantly imagine yourself as the hero. The struggles that Bruce Wayne goes through, you find parallels for in your own life. His triumphs you equate to a path you see for yourself. As you watch 'Joker', it may be uncomfortable to you that the rock-solid strength and morals of the hero are simply not there. Instead, the film looks to you for the answers. But without Batman's playbook to glance at, you might simply have none. All you can do is watch, and learn, quite frankly.
Does this movie glorify the villain? No, it just doesn't ignore him. It reminds you that he is there, whether you know it or not, painting a bloody smile every day you fail to do something about it. It's humbling. By the end, you'll find yourself asking: who is the real villain? The Joker? The system that failed him? See for yourself, but in my opinion you wouldn't want to be on either side. There is nothing clear-cut about the problems this film presents you with, or the solutions you're likely to come up with. It's dark, it's real... it's genius.
I'll leave you with this: If you believe that you, yes you, sitting there blissfully with your popcorn and soda, are not equal in nature to the man you see on the screen, then you're just another drop of makeup on the Joker's face. Spoiler alert: this story doesn't have a happy ending.
Go see it!