The film was good but I would not want to see it again...

Rating: 7/10 (14 March 2020)

The cinematography was impressive, it made you feel like you were immersed in the film. The soundtrack fit well and guided the audience's emotions where they needed to go. The film did a wonderful job of stirring emotion and tention throughout the film. The transitions were well thought out and made the movie flow naturally. The film felt drawn out focusing on the drama, but it was easy to follow, and the emotion made the longer quiet parts more interesting. It did not fit into the stereotype of the usual DC universe. To me that means viewers need to into this film with an open mind.
With three previous nominations, Joaquin Pheonix took home an Oscar for his performance as Arthur Fleck. You could say the casting for this movie was very well thought out. With well-known names such as Robert De Niro, it's no wonder the actors in this film were well received. Joaquin Pheonix also did extensive research on mental health and psychology to understand his character and get the Joker's laugh just right. You can see the work he put in as you watch Arthur Fleck try to do everyday things.
The Joker 2019 was nominated for many Oscars including best picture, best director, best cinematography, best film editing, and more. It only took home two of the eleven it was nominated for, best actor and best original music score. Which is easy to see, given the amazing performance by Joaquin Pheonix. I really think his study of the role and mental illnesses that Joker suffers from made it what it is. He really gave his all and you could not see Joaquin Pheonix anywhere in the Jokers face.
The Joker film made many achievements with its release. They had a budget of $62.5 million to create this film and they grossed over $1 billion, making it the first R-rated film to do so. It was the sixth highest grossing film of 2019 and the 31st highest grossing film of all time. You could say it was worth the budget. I do see how this movie draws people in, it's a combination or Joker fans, Joaquin Pheonix fans, and people who were interested in the mental health standpoint of the movie. I could see how so many different walks off life were attracted to the box office release.
"If there is one clear message in Joker, it's that society needs to do more to support its poor and those in need of psychological and medical care. Arthur tries to hold down a job and take his medicine to make himself better and hold his worst impulses at bay." says Forbes. Which is probably my biggest problem with the movie. The world doesn't owe you anything, whether you have a disability or not; you are responsible for your own actions. Going to therapy is supposed to teach you to "make yourself better and hold your worst impulses at bay". There are obliviously conditions that make a person do things that are out of their control though they are still responsible for the things they have done. Especially when the thing you've done is taking another person's life.
Heath Ledger vs. Joaquin Phoenix, a disclaimer is necessary before we compare the two characters as their films are extremely different and in turn the feel of the movie. Though I do think it fair to compare specifically Heath Ledgers Joker because of the similarities in psychotic mannerisms and actions. In terms of how scary they are I'd have to give it to Heath Ledger. This may be because Joaquin Pheonix played a much younger version of the character, but he only kills the people who wronged him vs. Heath Ledger's Joker would scare me if I saw him walking down the street. Heath's victims have a wider range than Joaquin's, Heath is also more developed and has a clear intent and to me that makes him scarier. I also think that Heath Ledger's Joker, even though he didn't have as much screen time, captivated the audience. Joaquin's Joker is interesting, and he deserves every award he's one for this role. Heath's Joker just drew you in every time he was on the screen and made the role legendary even though he had less screen time than Batman. For these reason's Heath Ledger takes the cake in my opinion.
In conclusion, the movie itself was amazing. We can appreciate Joaquin Phoenix's' interpretation of the role and the way he gave Joker an origin we've never seen before. I think where the film got lost was the message of the movie. There didn't feel like there was any point to it at the end of the day. You walk out of the theater feeling like you're in a black hole of sadness. Would I ever see it again? No. Would I tell people to never go see this movie? Again no. I would warn my friends of the content, so they are aware then leave the choice up to them. I think my biggest issue is with the makers of the movie, for taking viewers on such a dark journey with no real meaning behind it. Then being so defensive when people asked them to issue trigger warnings. It seems they were trying to get any reaction they could for this movie, whether it be good or bad. You're left at a sort of middle ground where the movie was good, but I never want to see it again.