Joker (2019) Non-spoiler - Written Review (Patreon)

Joker – Directed by Todd Philips | Warner Bros. Distributed
Review Written by Matthew J. Sella

With the world eyeing this movie with promising buzz from critics and some controversy, I approached this movie as someone who wanted to hear about whatever story that wished to be told about this take on the iconic Batman villain, Joker. It may be cliché to echo the majority of critics, but I found this to be a massively engaging, cautionary tale of a tragic man beaten down by the world around him for his entire life. 

  Before I get into some of the story elements I liked, let me go over some of the technical aspects of the film that stood out. The editing and cinematography were some of the best elements of the movie for me. Visually striking shots, beautiful use of color to set the bleak, yet mad mood, and cut together to a near-perfect pace while still holding on some uncomfortable moments. I could tell there was a focus on the style of the movie, showing the deteriorating aesthetic of the world and it was carried well through all the scenes.

 
 The crown jewel of the film is Joaquin Phoenix's performance as Arthur Fleck, aka the Joker. From the very beginning, we see the mental health struggles he carries and the condition he has that draws undesirable attention. With the mindset to always smile, the crumbling city of Gotham lashes him down to the point we all expect, and then some.  
The use of music was spot on to help not to help portray the clearing of the rain cloud moments, but when Arthur is challenged with the ever destructive nature of society. It's important to note is while the film may not exactly state the year, except maybe in a shot with a newspaper, but this story takes place in the 1980s. The visuals, music, and set designs channel the atmosphere of that decade, with that dreadful Gotham flare. 

  I will admit, I am more casual when it comes to watching movies and examining them. My goal is to be entertained first and foremost. When it comes to more deeper aspects or artistic take on film making, I tend to not be as enraptured. It's not due to being unable to understand what the filmmakers are going, but simply if I find it believable as a self-contained movie and tells the story, whatever it may be, cohesively enough without pandering to me, the audience, or filmmaker's ego. However, this film got me hooked throughout with the acting, pacing, visuals, and the story itself.

  My only complaint is a what I few as a mere nitpick, but there were a couple of moments between Arthur and his moth where one or both actors mumbled and I had trouble hearing what they said exactly. This was rare and I was still able to follow the events of the film well enough.

   For those familiar with the general knowledge of DC's Joker. It is safe to assume that this movie plays on the idea of considering the perspective of Arthur, yet there really are no good guys or bad guys. There are only those that are shaped by how they are treated, perceived, and beaten down by words or physical rage. As said before, this is a cautionary tale that may be too much for some. While there were many moments where I and the audience laughed during some of the bits that were reminiscent of the Joker we grew up with, it is still a story of tragedy. Outlandish at it may seem of surface level, the lesson it teaches is something worth listening to and conversations worth discussing on what may be a reflection of ourselves as a society. 

  That is how I saw the movie in the end, but that's just my opinion. Right now I want to hear yours. If you saw the Joker movie, let me know if you liked it, or did you not like it? What worked, or what didn't work for you? Share your thoughts in the comment section, and join the conversation!  

~Matt Sella