The past two decades have populated the modern cinematic landscape with superhero origin stories. The rise of comic book adaptations have made this a necessity as they make an effective way of introducing the heroes whose journeys audiences will be following. While these narratives could have easily gone stale, storytellers are keeping the genre fresh by going beyond what has come before.
No laughing matter
This ability to innovate is incredibly apparent in 2019’s Joker. Rarely do comic book films delve deeper on a supervillain’s origin story, let alone the origin of the clown prince of crime himself. It should be to the relief of fans of the comic book icon, as well as fans of cinema everywhere, that Joker is a carefully crafted, unsettling, and thought-provoking character study that does justice to its source material. Painting its main character in a new and unique light, the film’s wonderful reimagining of the villain is led to the highest of highs by Joaquin Phoenix’s raw, intense performance.
In exploring the untapped potential of the Joker’s origin—a route often neglected by storytellers, with most opting to instead focus on his relationship with the Batman—the film manages to successfully create a story of an ordinary human being. As someone carrying his own ambitions, beliefs, as well as struggles, Arthur Fleck emerges as a villain with a story independent from his heroic counterpart.
The effectiveness of such prolonged character building can be largely attributed to the masterful performance by Phoenix himself, who puts his own spin on one of comics’ most iconic villains. He carries the brunt of the film on his back—there is hardly ever a shot without him framed, and it is absolutely to the film’s benefit. A testament to this deftness is Phoenix expertly manifesting Arthur Fleck’s struggle to control his laugh during the most inappropriate moments. The desperation in Phoenix’s eyes as he battles his uncontrollable guffaw will leave audiences with a heavy heart.
One mark of a great actor is the ability to disappear into a role, and Phoenix certainly does this with aplomb. On camera, there is no Joaquin Phoenix; there is only Arthur Fleck. The man executes a performance that draws an audience in, eliciting a degree of sympathy for an otherwise despicable character, and he does so with charm, charisma, and style.
Is it getting crazier out there?
Beyond the spectacular performance of Phoenix, the film is also supported by stellar visuals and a haunting score.
The cinematography on display in this film is stunning, making the most out of what is shown on screen to bolster the storytelling experience. The shots in the film are bright and vibrant, utilizing very harsh oranges and blues to enhance scenes, capturing the essence of the wonderful set design.
Gotham City, the main setting of the story, is vile and disgusting—and it is perfect for the narrative being told. Trash lays strewn at nearly every turn the story takes, and the interiors are dirty and cramped, giving the locations a claustrophobic feel. The amount of care put into how the visuals are constructed certainly bears fruit; the film is a feast for the eyes all throughout its run time.
The score by Hildur Guðnadóttir is beautiful, creating a tapestry of music that builds on top of itself, mirroring the tension being built throughout the film. The music lingers, as if haunting Fleck in his every waking moment, growing and changing as he descends into madness. As praise-worthy as the visuals of the film are, the sounds of the film are equally captivating and enthralling, giving the story a distinct sound that lingers even once the credits roll.
All of these contribute to creating a madhouse-like ambience that the film’s characters can explore and get lost in—and get lost in it, they certainly do. It makes everything feel all the more real, letting the audience become privy to what is happening on a more intimate scale and firmly placing the viewers right where the action takes place.
Laughter and joy
Ultimately, what will stay with moviegoers as they leave the cinema is the evocative story told throughout the film and the chilling themes it brings up. Joker’s story is that of a man suffering from mental illness—shunned, ignored, and humiliated for circumstances he has no control over. The film asks the audience to ponder certain questions about the world we live in. Sometimes, the answers to these questions are not pretty, and the film is not shy to bring this to light, as uncomfortable as it may be.
Comic book films are commonly attributed to being fun, adventure romps, where a hero fights against an unremitting evil. Movies like these are by no means bad, but rarely do they ask difficult questions, as their purpose is sometimes solely to excite and entertain. It’s refreshing—and honestly, exciting—to see a movie like Joker, a film based on a comic book source, completely reject this mold. It is by no means the first of the comic book film genre to have done so, but it deviates so drastically from conventional expectations for these movies in such a way that is worthy of praise.
Discussion regarding the film has been plentiful and heated, even before it hit theaters. The film is powerful in that regard, and even somewhat dangerous. And while many may have conflicting views and opinions on Joker’s themes and messages, the fact that a film can bring about discourse in this manner is astounding. None of the controversy takes away from the fact that the existence of a film like Joker—a story with a clear vision and backed by passionate creators—is nothing short of amazing on its own.
You get what you deserve
Joker’s bold and dauntless attempt to reinvigorate the audiences’ interest in Gotham’s clown prince of crime has successfully piqued the interest of moviegoers and has created a passionate and gut-wrenching tale. On the surface, it may seem like just another comic book movie; but within its layers lies a work of art with an immense amount of fervor and dedication embedded in it, reflected by the stellar acting, striking visuals, and a chilling score.
As audiences everywhere are brought back to the streets of Gotham, Joker sets the bar high—reminding audiences not only how well origin stories can be crafted, but how much potential lies in its colorful characters and seemingly ridiculous premises.
Rating: 3.5/4
