Review By Siddhant Raizada (Lucknow, India)
Joker is a drama movie in the vein of movies like Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, it is a horror movie without any jump-scares or any other horror movie tropes and it is a comic-book origin movie about the most notorious and iconic villain. This movie will make you uncomfortable very often, but ultimately it will force upon you some difficult questions that most movies shy away from asking. This is one of the few comic-book movies which will force you to think for hours after you have seen it.
Joker is a movie about Arthur Fleck (played brilliantly by Joaquin Phoenix) who had some psychopathic tendencies but due to deteriorating conditions of Gotham and certain events that took place in the span of the movie leads him to lose it completely and become the villain we all know as Joker. The movie in its 2-hour runtime focuses completely on Arthur Fleck and shows his descent into becoming the Joker and that journey is very well showcased, sometimes it is so realistic that some might consider it almost horror-like. The main credit goes to Joaquin Phoenix for such brilliant acting definitely Oscar-worthy, he is the main reason that the journey is believable you may feel bad for the character but you will also be able to feel the darkness deep inside which endorse his actions, the darkness which is slowly unravelled throughout the span of the movie. The rest of the supporting casts were great as well especially Robert De Niro.
The movie is directed by Todd Philips who before this had only directed movies like Hangover and Due Date. This movie was a great departure from his usual type of movies but he pulled it off, you could tell he is a big Scorsese fan as this movie is heavily inspired by Taxi Driver. Like Taxi Driver this movie is a bit of a slow burner and slowly picks up the pace which really helps in understanding the character a lot better especially since this movie was a character study. As the descent into madness started so does the pacing of the movie.
The cinematography was very beautiful, the tone of the movie really helped in showcasing the deteriorating Gotham and characters. The soundtrack of the movie was also very good again I think it was very similar to Taxi Driver, It wasn’t omnipresent, though when played it increased the tension very easily.
I am really glad that a movie like this exists. When comic-book movies are so saturated it is important that we have directors and actors who take risks like these. Projects like these (if successful) could break the monotony that has shrouded the comic-book genre. You may not end up liking the movie, but that should not stop you from recognising it for its uniqueness and its bold take. Having said that, I really loved this movie to bits and would love to see it again and again for its mesmerising performances, beautiful cinematography, lovely score and especially for its unique take.
Rating: 5/5
Amar Hamid says
Joker. Wow. The richest story in the DC Universe comics & animation films; is that of the Joker & Batman. This particular film has managed to pre-excite the audience for the upcoming Batman film in 2021. In hopes that by the time Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) kicks in to the story, the Joker, remarkably portrayed by (Joaquin Phoenix), would have fully evolved & matured into the “Prince of crime” as seen in the comics.
Joker was a compelling and powerful origin story that throughout, unavoidably enough, manages to garner sympathy from the audience. With excellent story structure, character moments & character development, it’s THE best well written & developed film of the year.
If one were to even concentrate on some of the moments, they would be able to notice the attention to detail. Such as the depressing scene of the Joker’s flashbacks to never having even been with the woman, Sophie Dumond, (Zazie Beetz). A pitiful, strange, broken, lonely, & twisted man with an unforgivable dark past, whom the audience clearly contemplate as to how he would even be capable of attaining a normal companion. “Reading between the lines”; it makes one wonder if the only real moment was when she showed up to his comedy show performance, sitting in alone, watching him in the dark background of the venue. The saddest reality was to realize just how much hopelessness was inside the Joker. To the extent that even in his most beautiful & ‘good’ moments of happiness; they were all delusions. Just that brief evaluation from the film allows the audience to examine more closely his mental journey to madness.
Joker is not only a reflection to some people’s understanding of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but also a reflection of our insecure society. This film is emotionally challenging, yet also truthfully haunting. A major mark in the history of Gotham City’s uprising of crime & the man who started it all, automatically allowing viewers to make comparisons of previous Joker films. Even the heart breaking moments, such as the discovery of his adoption, really pushed the audience to imagine just what could be going through his mind, allowing ourselves to understand the different reasons that led to his new found violence. Joker, accepting his sinister side, without any emotion is powerfully portrayed in many scenes, from killing his adopted mother then looking out the window, to killing his old work colleague all whilst maintaining his composure shows just how much crap he’s been through to reach a state of numbness.
Joker, all in all, has proved to be a super – super villain story with an intense touch of real life. At some point watching the dramatic film, you forget the fact that this all originated from a comic book.
An excellent picture. Excellent.
rabeb hadji says
You wouldn’t idolize the joker unless someday you leave your work place or study broken deep inside, feeling totally marginalized, at least, once in your life
No one ever think to talk to you unless to say a word that may kill you, though u come over it,
Or when u get rejected from someone you love
When Arthur Flick(Joker) was imagining that he has a lover he didn’t make her say: Arthur I want to marry you”, instead, he said on her behalf : ” 3 guys in Ghothenham had died, 1 million remain.
you can imagine my dear
In the cinema, when our friend Arthur was laughing unwillingly because of his psychological illness trying hardly to mute himself, what happened then, did the guys in cinema feel him?
No, instead they started laughing!
Perhaps this movie is meant to uncover our society first, at least the citizens of Ghotheham didn’t know Arthur so well as we did, though, we made fun of him.
Someone said Arthur needed one single thing in the whole movie, one single attitude stood between him and transforming to the character of the Joker… To be hugged by anyone, one single person!
However, do we really have the right to blame him!?
Can you imagine sitting with a person who has been killed one thousand time and start advising and giving him lessons in morals while you are living a life of nobles?! as Joker said:” you decide what’s right or wrong. The same way that you decide what’s funny or not.”
We log into social media to laugh about a video for very short man, we may call him “dwarf”, or someone fat who got stuck in the mud…
But if that short or crippled man comes and tell you: “Your boss had been stabbed 5 times by an employee”, you wouldn’t find it funny, instead you would find it very rude and disgusting thing and you’ll get very mad.. But you have never thought that making fun of someone is very disgusting to him, and that makes him very angry, very mad…That makes him a Joker..
You are the one who creates the Joker and you are the one who can prevent him of demonstrating among us..
but unfortunately, when he exists, you can’t find a way to make him disappear anymore, because the time of marginalization, bullying and oppression will vanish.
Weakness will turn into a curse on anyone who helped developing it inside us.
Weakness will become a “power”, a “pride” a “glory”!
It’s the revolution of the marginalized people! It’s the revolution of those who had been told “NO” repeatedly.
You think they are clowns, They are now, without being ashamed!
We are all clowns
Syed Shahrukh says
Absolutely a masterpiece movie. i watched it twice Joaquin’s performance was phenomenal the way he transform slowly from Arthur to Joker is marvelous. the cinematography is great every is amazing and music hildur guðnadóttir is just mind blowing. I just one say line.
Joker is one of the best comic book movie i ever see
I love this movie all quotes thanks this site is awesome.
Birendra Adhikari says
Best joker quotes
Tavo P says
The onwner of this web is a REAL genius, thanks for all
Shafin Khan says
Joker : What’s your name?
Me : Shafin
Joker : Are you depressed?
Me : Yes
Joker : Are you shocked?
Me : Yes
Joker : Are you hate people?
Me : Sometimes.
Joker : Do you have an emotional past?
Me : I’m not sure..
Joker : Are you fool?
Me : Maybe..
Joker : Are you broken?
Me : A little…
Joker : Do you have any dream?
Me : I had..
Joker : Has you been cheated ever?
Me : Again and again…
Joker : Then why you smile all-time?
Me : I Don’t know..
Joker : Because you are also a joker.Come and join my club..
Me :
Own Words.. Not copied from anywhere…
Don’t forget to smile…
TheJoke says
😀
Cala says
Hey, do you mind if I use this for a fanfic?
Rubel says
Just an amazing movie.
TK says
Wasn’t there a part of Arthur’s stand-up routine where he mentions getting bullied at school or something? I can’t remember the quote. Anyone remember it?
yes says
i know there was a deleted scene about that
rabeb hadji says
i think he said, when was a little boy and told people i was gonna to be a comedian, everyone laughed at me, but nocone’s laughing now!
Martin Tedder says
Why do you censor the word “Killing”?
Dario says
might be for some search engine’s indexing reasons
Michael Anthony (Charlotte, NC) says
Oooohh man!!!! Where to begin. Joker is such a well grounded and gritty film it is definitely a horse of a different color for comic book films. From the cinematography, pacing , to the smooth transition between each scene I felt like I was watching an A24 independent film. Joaquin phoenix knocked this out of the park his performance was amazing. This was really his movie from beginning to end, and every scene he is in your immediately immersed and excited to see what’s about to happen next. His character Arthur fleck is someone who is just damaged no one really likes him they think he’s weird , pretty much an outcast of society. But that doesn’t stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a stand up comedian which unfortunately comes to an end after having that “One bad day”. Then the ball starts rolling from there. What’s unique about this film is that it also brings awareness to mental illness. You really get to see throughout the film how Arthur fleck tries to cope with his day to day conditions and how he slowly transitions into joker . It’s almost as if the director ripped a page out of the 1970’s Taxi driver film.
My only issue with the film and this is the only issue I had, Its a slow burn movie. The pacing was really slow on some parts , but once the second half commenced it was a roller coaster ride.
Joker is a masterpiece film and will forever be my top DC film of all time hands down. 5 out 5.
Jeff Thompson says
That is the smartest thing I’ve read all day, particularly the A24 bit (I’ve never seen a bad film from them yet). IDK, but it kinda’ feels like a proper film critique. Like, what are you doing here with me and everyone? Perhaps you should be on another web site, but actually writing for them after having seen whatever is on the home box office this week, you know?
I mean, I would but my synopsis would probably not be as eloquent as yours was just now.
RaghulJay says
Because joker is a iconic mass villain , everyone like this character in DC comics.. even in dark knight movie , batman with his suit and technology came to fight with joker , but Joker stand cool with his gun infront of batman without any suit in his body.. what a attitude of joker ! It’s very impressing and make everone love to that Joker character.. that’s why Joker is very famous.. i am a huge fan of JOKER.
Razvan Popescu says
didnt see the movie. but this lack of substance in writing got me worried
hv says
the acting is amazing! usually dont like DC movies but this great. i think its better than anything I’ve seen in a while.
Sai says
Can u put dialogue last fifteen minutes of the movie. It’ very interesting conversation with joker and Murray. It’s reflects totally movie theme of the joker
Jeff Thompson says
Ditto and well said.
Of ALL THE DC FILMS, intellectual properties for film as well as TV, even rolling the clock back to Reeves (RIP), this is, bar none, the very best, highest artistic achievement of them I’ve ever seen.
And, my God, I consume too much media as it is. They normally do not give serious accolades for comic book film as it is generally squarely rooted in Action genre. We’re not talking Shakespeare here, you know…but this? This is high end drama, a proper R-rating, just high marks all around. It should net awards, surely.
Regular comic films get mostly just technical awards; sound editing, costume design, things like that. However, were I a gambling man, I would heartily expect some Oscar chatter or a statue next Feb.
Drew says
I seen it last friday going in with low expectations. It blew me away. It is fantastic.
Robbie says
you forgot “Sending the CLOWN!!” one