Joker Film Review – Does society make us evil?

There are plenty of Joker film reviews online but that’s not going to stop me from giving my two cents. I’m listening to the Joker film soundtrack right now. I love listening to film soundtracks and it’s especially helpful when I want to stay immersed in a film’s universe and reality. Today was my second viewing of Joker as I thought it best to watch it again and with my Limitless membership it doesn’t cost extra. Even if I wasn’t going to write about it, it deserves a second viewing for Joaquin Phoenix’s performance and its haunting soundtrack. Joker is directed by Todd Phillips which he co-wrote with Scott Silver. I love me some movie dialogue so took notice of that.

What is Joker about?

Joker tells the story of Arthur Fleck, a lonely man who suffers with mental illness and is ignored by society. He desires what we all want: to be seen, heard, loved and respected. This is an origin story of how Arthur Fleck becomes the comic book anti-hero, the Joker.

The Acting

The acting in Joker is superb and Phoenix as Joker was nothing short of phenomenal. We all know and love Heath Ledger’s rendition of the Joker in The Dark Knight. For me, that was the first time I watched a comic book movie where I was genuinely disturbed by the villain. A lot of people have been comparing Phoenix’s Joker to Ledger’s Joker and I honestly don’t think it’s fair to compare the two. While they both play the same character, they are playing Joker at two very distinct stages in his life.

Phoenix is portraying Joker as a normal but flawed human being who is arguably forced into choosing villainy and chaos. Ledger is playing Joker when his worship of chaos is full-fledged and he has completely shed his human persona. Everything he does is to cause maximum pain and injury for his own enjoyment. Ledger’s Joker was a trademark psychopath whereas Phoenix’s Joker portrayal is mired with tragedy as the end result was avoidable.

The Joker Soundtrack and Phoenix’s Body

One of my favourite things about Joker was Phoenix’s unscripted dancing. This revelation stunned me as it worked so well and I truly enjoyed the juxtaposition. We see Phoenix’s Joker do terrible things but then out of something awful we get haunting and ethereal movement. The violins and vocalising that play during the bathroom dance was the perfect choice for ending such a pivotal scene. You truly felt the narrative shift and knew that Arthur Fleck was never coming back.

Phoenix’s body definitely made me uncomfortable as he danced and moved as the Joker. His protruding ribs and thinly veiled spine made me shift in my seat. As he stretches his clown shoes he looks weak and frail. It is in this moment, when he is half-naked, bruises exposed, that a ‘friendly’ offer has devastating consequences.

A problematic choice is Gary Glitter’s Rock and Roll Part 2. As a convicted paedophile his music has no place in art but I can understand why this song was chosen as it fits the dance scene well. It’s comforting to know that he will not receive royalties for its inclusion in Joker.

That Laugh

A lot of people have written in praise of Phoenix’s laugh. Make a note every time he laughs and it’s obvious that he does it when he is uncomfortable, afraid or in pain. When questioned by detectives they doubt the validity of his neurological illness and this reminded me of how society doubts those of us who suffer with mental illness. Our brains control our behaviour and yet society expects us to behave normally despite having physical and mental conditions. Joker definitely draws attention to this ignorant idiocy.

Mental Illness Commentary

The Joker’s social worker sees him in a small dank room that is full of files and documents. I never noticed this upon my first viewing and it brought me back to the therapy room I visited on a weekly basis for nearly 3 years. That room was deliberately blank, it was very small but there were no signs of anyone else using it. Meaning, that on a therapeutic level, I was not aware of the pressure my psychotherapist may have been under. However, it is obvious the Joker’s social worker has a large caseload and this is reflected in her lacklustre speech, repetitive questions and overflowing office space.

I can understand why some people, especially those of us who live with mental health illnesses may be worried about seeing this film. I can also empathise with those who think Joker is glamourising gun violence or portraying us who live with mental health illnesses as violent. One thing we need to remember is this is an origin story based in a fictional world. In no way it is implying that all people with mental health issues are dangerous people. I honestly did not get this feeling from this film.

The real danger is funding cuts to services that we all need to stay healthy and happy.

I’m Celebrating

I loved how Joker portrayed the difficulty we have in being heard. If you suffer with a mental illness then you will know first hand how hard it is for people to take your words seriously.

”You ask the same questions every week” ”You’re not listening”

Joker makes one hell of an admission and this is glossed over so seamlessly. Sometimes those we love may say awful things, their words may not match their actions and this is when you need to ask the right questions if you truly want to help. The rich and powerful regularly take advantage of the poor and weak and Joker as a film is showing this is not OK. Also, not everyone who acts concerned is concerned, it’s not every offer of ‘help’ that you should accept.

Joker Film Verdict

I’ve seen Joker twice and I now understand why so many people have dubbed it a masterpiece. The colour and costumes, the use of music, the dialogue, the symbolism. Everything about it was executed with finesse and purpose and I highly recommend it.

What did you think of Joker? Did you like it or loathe it? Let me know 🙂

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Love Black Pistachio x