Tasteless.

Rating: 4/10 (20 December 2019)

Unfortunately, "Joker" aims to tackle extremely complex & contentious societal issues with sincerity & introspection - depicting a character's gradual descent in to villainy (not madness) through an observational gaze of impartiality - but so desperate to ensure the relatability of Joaquin Phoenix's "protagonist" to the viewing masses - so that audiences remain emotionally invested in his "progression" throughout the film, the planned "impartiality" is broken with the offensive mishandling & recklessly poor execution of the intended concept.
Hence, what should've been a meticulous & cautious exploration in to numerous relevant & controversial problems is quickly ruined as Todd Philips tackles these significant subjects with the deft subtlety of a relentless bludgeoning to the head with a bloodied sledgehammer.
What remains are the shattered fragments of the initial intention strewn across the screen as we watch the film unfold, becoming more & more grotesque - the fine line ultimately crossed, losing its sense of morality with violence being accidentally glorified thanks to the addition of questionable stylistic choices & consequently, "Joker" unknowingly ventures in to extremely concerning territory by carelessly excusing Arthur's actions with the tasteless justification being "mental illness"; the result? Humanising a narcissistic monster as a "tragic individual" with a "troubled past".
As a sufferer of anxiety & depression myself, I'm aware of the fact that this complacency only feeds in to harmful stereotypes (whether consciously or not) & therefore - as a result -contributes to negative public perceptions - regardless of the preliminary aim. Thus, there are consequences when you conflate mental health issues with criminality & aggressive behaviour in the media (bordering on downright fetishization) - & director Todd Philips is in a privileged enough position not to be the unlucky recipient of these sweeping generalisations he's just involuntarily validated.
Of course, I'm aware this wasn't the goal of the creators but nevertheless, this will be the outcome individuals such as myself have to live with - due to their lack of conscientiousness whilst crafting & adapting a damn screenplay.