One of the most enthralling depictions of a man's decent into madness and the effects it has on those around him

Rating: 10/10 (3 October 2019)

Joker is a standalone origin story of the eponymous DC Comics villain from the Batman series. Starring Joaquin Phoenix in the title role and directed and co-written by Todd Phillips, it is a brilliant, enthralling depiction of a man's descent into madness and the effects it has on those around him.
In 1981 in Gotham City, mentally ill Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) takes care of his ailing mother in their run-down apartment while working a menial job as a clown. Being isolated from society, Arthur struggles to fit in with those around him, frequently bullied and beaten up by several unruly people. Determined to make something of himself, Arthur tries laughing his way through his ever-mounting problems to become a successful comedian and leave an impression on the world, no matter how far he must go to get his point across.
As shocking as it is engaging, Joker succeeds spectacularly by showcasing a realistic character study of a madman and how often individuals like this are ignored by society. Throughout the film, it seems every character Arthur Fleck encounters is either a hypocrite, a liar, disingenuous, or all of the above. Each moment of his collapsing mental state is shown with intricate care, never once seeming like it is all happening at once but instead as one bad situation after another. This draws comparisons to the characters of Travis Bickle from "Taxi Driver" and Rupert Pupkin in "The King of Comedy", both of which were social rejects who resorted to more sinister means of gaining attention.
Joaquin Phoenix simply owns the role as Arthur Fleck/Joker, practically besting Heath Ledger in almost every way, which is saying quite a lot considering the long-lasting impact Ledger's portrayal has left on pop culture. Phoenix's dark sunken eyes and skinny frame (whom he reportedly lost 24 kgs/52 lbs in preparation) works to his advantage and adds so much tragic pathos to the character while at the same time showing him as someone we should avoid idolising. This could easily be the role of his career and he deserves every bit of praise he earns.
Martin Scorsese, who was initially attached as an executive producer, has clearly left his influence all over this film, with several of his cinematic techniques worked into the final product. Director Todd Phillips, best known for directing The Hangover trilogy, handles this film surprisingly well, implementing several of Scorsese's trademarks, from the jarring bursts of graphic violence to the murky cinematography of downtown Gotham City. It almost seems like this film is being used as an allegory for any controversy that some of Scorsese's work may have been indirectly responsible for, like how "Taxi Driver" inspired John Hinckley Jr. to shoot President Ronald Reagan to impress Jodie Foster.
Overall, while I do think this film is excellent, I must take care in whom I recommend it to. This needs to be viewed with the correct mindset, understanding that the actions of Arthur Fleck should never be admired and taken at face value. Anybody who unironically believes that Arthur has done nothing wrong by the end should seek the professional help they urgently need.
I rate it a perfect 10/10