Joker is very human

Rating: 10/10 (15 October 2019)

Director Todd Phillips( Loved his movies War dogs, Hangover) has done better than his best in directing movie Joker. Comedian Arthur Fleck , acted superbly once again by Joaquin Phoenix ( great in movies Her, You were never really here among many others) has a great relationship with his mother Penny Fleck ( Frances Conroy) who thinks one has to be funny to be a comedian and does not picture Arthur as being funny. Some scenes between son and mom reminded me of the scenes in movie You were never really here. Arthur is happy to be a comedian in a place where it is difficult for others to be nice to him or respect him. But mental illness manifests itself. Scenes where Arthur is delusional like his mom in his interactions with his pretty neighbor Sophie (played well be Zazie Beetz) are very sad. Arthur who is a comedian and a joker with a painted face has deep rooted desires of longing for comfort of another human and when not satisfied world becomes aware of his delusions. Murray Franklin, a popular TV host (excellent acting by Robert De Niro) makes mockery of joker and his lifestyle. I really enjoyed how demarcation line between sanity and insanity is handled well by joker. Joker recognizes kindness and meekness as well as cruelty and nastiness. Joker is in total control of his emotions when he walks in front of the cameras to be with Murray franklin. And then insanity takes over and joker does what he does well. Joker ends all mockers and mockery. Joker's laugh which is his expression of his inner thoughts is very appropriate and in sync with his anger towards unkind world. Excellent acting by Joaquin Phoenix . Oscar worthy.