I know it, you know it.  The world obviously knows it, so let’s not beat about the bush and just say it.  Joaquin Phoenix is a flippin’ phenomenal actor.  Of course he is.  We’ve enjoyed him in a multitude of iconic films, and pretty much everyone I know who has seen Her has added it to their list of favourite films (in some cases, their fave romantic film of all time).  So when we all found out that Joaquin was going to star as the Joker, it surprised absolutely no one when he pulled out a powerhouse performance and made the film an incredible character study.

It depicts a very grounded interpretation of the Joker’s backstory, with failed comedian Arthur Fleck struggling against mental illness and a lack of support from the society around him.  He’s someone that can easily draw out your empathy as you watch him try to forge healthy relationships, only for them to crash and burn due to his lack of ability to come across as normal, i.e. not like an ominous, maniacally laughing creeper.  The pervading sense of loneliness on-screen is almost painful to watch at times and can be truly moving.  To get personal for a sec, I have been going through not so great times myself recently and found Arthur’s struggle to be understood and accepted very relatable indeed.

 
Arthur’s growing isolation isn’t helped by living in Gotham, a city that very much has an uncaring “sink or swim” attitude to its inhabitants as poverty and despair continue to rise.  The breakdown of certain institutions throughout the film as Arthur seeks help may have its roots in sometimes bleak reality, but overall is very exaggerated to the point of farce.  I mean, I’ve had my fair share of unhelpful doctors, but none of them have ever said “Yeah, we, as a whole institution, don’t give a toss about you so please kindly sod off and never darken our doorstep again.”  It doesn’t detract from the film in my opinion, but it is ludicrous when brought up in the media as overt social commentary which encourages ‘incel culture’.

I have unfortunately been disappointed one too many times by Joker films in recent history (the animated version of The Killing Joke especially feeling like a wasted opportunity given the source material), so it’s such a relief to report that this film is a welcome return to form since The Dark Knight.  The pacing works well as a slow build, and in my opinion the violence portrayed was realistic and not gratuitous at all (seriously media people, once again I’m not understanding what the fuss is about).  I’m reluctant to give any spoilers because this really is an experience you should see for yourself in the cinema, the sooner the better.  Comic fan or not, this has all the hallmarks of a film we will still be enthusing over decades later.  So, what are you waiting for?  Check it out and the enjoy the majesty of Joaquin Phoenix’s dancing.  Seriously, the dude’s got moves!