Film: Joker

GENRE: Drama

RATING: R for strong violence, language, disturbing behaviour
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 1 minute

STARRING: Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line, Her, Gladiator)

Robert De Niro (Taxi Driver), Zazie Beetz (Atlanta, Deadpool 2)

DIRECTOR: Todd Phillips (The Hangover, Starsky & Hutch)

WRITERS: Phillips (Old School) & Scott Silver (8 Mile, The Fighter)

PLOT: Arthur Fleck get pushed too far and slowly become Joker.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: I was apprehensive after the trailer.

STORY STUFF: It’s a slow burn but Arthur’s decent into madness is very effective. It’s hard to watch at times. The whole thing reminded me of Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver. If you go in expecting a DC version of a Marvel origin story, you’ll be sorely disappointed. This is the definition of gritty. It’s a lot darker than Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. The story is interesting and gives some solid foundation to the Joker’s backstory.

ACTING STUFF: Phoenix is phenomenal. His commitment to the role is impressive. His constant laugh is creepy as hell. Comparing his Joker interpretation to Heath Ledger’s is like apples and oranges as there are stark thematic differences. Phoenix is less manic and more internally disturbed. His thin frame is haunting and looks dangerous. The other actors all give solid performances but Phoenix (who is on screen pretty much the entire time) is the reason to watch.

ARTISTIC STUFF: There are some beautiful shots throughout. It’s raw but consistent. The film doesn’t have a large body count, but the violent scenes are hard to watch at times. Their use of the songs ‘Smile’ and ‘That’s Life’ are heavy handed.  

VERDICT: Four and a half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You want a gritty tale of madness (Not for young viewers)

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Gemini Man