Joker (2019) Movie Review

Synopsis:

In 1980s Gotham City, a failed stand-up comedian, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), descends into insanity. As his mental state declines, Arthur becomes the infamous crime figure known as the Joker.

Review:

As a character, the Joker has had many incarnations over the years.

Each one has left a unique mark on the legacy of Batman’s most unpredictable adversary.

In 2019, Hangover director Todd Phillips decided to give audiences a Joker with a tragic origin.

There may have been certain fans who were skeptical about this decision. To many, Joker eases those people’s concerns.

Despite its standard storytelling and underused side characters, Joker is a well-directed film.

Take how Todd Phillips depicts Gotham City as an example. Each shot oozes with atmosphere, showcasing the city’s downtrodden nature.

For context, Phillips had 55 million dollars to shoot this film. It goes to show the work a director can achieve if the budget is not too large.

This film also showcases the decline of Arthur Fleck’s mental state through its visuals. At first, the visuals consist of blues, blacks, and greys.

As Arthur becomes the Joker, the visuals start to become more vibrant.

Take the use of brighter greens, blues, and purples. This is a unique approach, heightened by Joaquin’s performance.

Without a doubt, Joaquin carries this film. Take how his mannerisms change from Arthur Fleck to the Joker.

As Arthur, he is timid, alone, and weak. Once he becomes the Joker, he gains a new sense of confidence.

This is on display after he shoots and kills three Wall Street men harassing him on the subway. Arthur proceeds to flee from the scene, entering an empty bathroom.

It is in this scene that Arthur embraces his villainous Joker side. This escalates once he kills his mother, Penny Fleck (Frances Conroy).

For context, his mother allowed the abuse of Arthur when he was a child. This is what most of Joker’s story focuses on.

This film also involves Thomas Wayne (Brett Cullen), an individual linked to Arthur’s past.

As an actor, Brett Cullen has very little screen time to showcase his skills. This is the case with many of the side characters.

Furthermore, this film also has Bruce and Martha Wayne. Each one of them gets shoehorned in for the sake of having recognizable characters.

Todd Phillips even takes the opportunity to have Thomas and Martha Wayne die (again).

Though this made sense in the context of the conclusion, it was unnecessary.

Even acting veteran Robert De Niro is a blank slate as talk show host, Murray Franklin. Including him in this film may have been because of Taxi Driver (1976).

Though some fans may think the parallels are too obvious, others may not care. Actress Zazie Beetz also has little screen time as Sophie Dumond.

As the film progresses, it is clear that Sophie is a figment of Arthur’s imagination. While this is clever, Zazie is not given much else to do.

Some fans may also not be a fan of how Joker’s paced. For people who enjoy slow-burn dramas, they should find satisfaction.

For those who want a more fast-paced film, this may not please them.

Last of all, Hildur Guðnadóttir’s score creates an eerie presence. Joker also uses several licensed tracks throughout.

Examples of these include Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life” and Cream’s “White Room.” Both are well-used, matching the dreary tone.

Conclusion:

To conclude, Todd Phillips’ Joker is a film bolstered by great visuals.

It also has a haunting score by Hildur Guðnadóttir, as well as Joaquin’s captivating performance.

With it, he captures Arthur’s slow descent into madness well. This film’s pacing represents this, building on the tension.

Some fans may dislike this approach, though it can be effective if directed in the right way. Joker’s main flaws are its use of the Wayne family and other characters.

Though Brett Cullen’s Thomas Wayne has a purpose, the rest of the Wayne family don’t.

Their inclusion may have been an excuse to have Thomas and Martha Wayne die again. As a whole, it was unnecessary.

Even an actor of Robert De Niro’s stature was a blank slate as Murray Franklin.

As stated, De Niro’s inclusion in this film may have been a direct reference to Taxi Driver (1976).

Zazie Beetz’s Sophie Dumond, despite her unique purpose, also lacks development. This may be a result of her limited screen time.

Joker is a film that can falter with a lack of development for side characters. Despite those flaws, Joaquin’s performance and fans of slow-burn stories will appreciate it.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7.5/10

Story - 7/10

Pacing - 6.5/10

Visuals - 8.5/10

Soundtrack- 7.5/10

Overall score: 7.4 out of 10