Joker

As I began watching Joker - actually more so in the trailers - I realized that the theater patron on my left was going to be a nightmare. He was already situated within his recliner seat, shoes off and relaxed. Make yourself at home, man. Every 30-45 seconds he had to clear his throat. Loudly. And that's certainly not an exaggeration; by the end of the film the count was easily in the hundreds. When he had to yawn, he did so emphatically. As if we all needed to hear him. About halfway through the film he took his shirt off, lounging (still without shoes) in his undershirt. Worst of all though? His color commentary on the film. 

"Yoooo dude!"
"Oh f**k! This guy's crazy!"
*Laughing at super awkward/silent moments*
*Literally asking me questions at a few points*

I was already on edge seeing Joker. Thanks mostly to the media for adding fuel to the "dangerous" fire - they almost perversely seemed to be hoping for a shooting sensationalized by the pop culture villain - but also because it honestly wouldn't surprise me at this point if that were to happen. So between my subconscious nerves and my very conscious annoyance, Joker was an exhausting film to experience. 

But in a really weird way this theater patron made my time with Joker that much more poignant.

Phoenix is gaunt in this film

Joker is not a perfect film, but it is a very good one. I'm not quite sure what my specific issues were with it other than the fact it felt about 10 minutes too long and the messaging of the film - while fitting for the Clown Prince of Crime - is a bit "dangerous" (more on that in a bit). The film's connection to the world of Batman and DC comics at times feels like an afterthought and in other moments drives key plot points so that balance is off. But I'll be damned if Joker won't end up sticking in my thoughts and slightly haunting me for several months, much like a certain horror film from earlier this year. I don't want to linger on the "dangerous" bit too much because this is just a movie and it's based on a comic book character. That said, given the subject the matter of mental illness and the makings of a violent male from society, I do wish the film wouldn't have left the ending (no spoilers) with the Joker character feeling like an anti-hero. But it's also a tricky line - as mental illness often is - with where fault actually lies. 

Insert my nightmare theater pal here. 

"Oh my f**king God! This dude's a psycho!" After a scene where life has clearly caused pain to Arthur Fleck, our central character. It was after this outburst where I realized two things. First, that this guy, regardless of his age, was far too immature to be watching this dark, thematic film (or go to movies in general, IMO). Second, what role was I playing by judging him as harshly as I was? The film is almost too on-the-nose about how Fleck is a byproduct of the unforgiving society around him, but how could I not be annoyed with what was going on next to me in the theater? Now...please...do not take this as me saying that my rude, completely-unaware-of-those-around-him seatmate is the equivalent of the chaotic, evil Joker. I know they're not even close, but one has to wonder: what drives the guy next to me to act the way he does? Lack of manners? Lack of EQ? Something else?

Getting ready for the big time

Joker is quite a sad film from several different angles. It follows Joaquin Phoenix's Arthur Fleck as life slowly wears him down to a breaking point. Fleck is an odd, but sweet loner. He takes care of his mother, he has a medical condition that causes him to laugh uncontrollably when he's nervous, and he loves to dance! Phoenix's portrayal is nothing short of extraordinary and stands alone as a very unique interpretation of the character. Besides looking thin as a rail, to the point of concern, his ability to act out the mental illness as Fleck unwinds is captivating. The pain in his eyes as he's laughing hysterically in moments he knows he shouldn't be is jaw-dropping. The awkward contortions and movements of his body as he dances is equal parts graceful and eerie. Whatever your thoughts on the rest of the film are, one cannot deny that this is a powerhouse performance and likely future winner of a Best Actor award.

As we make our way through the film, we learn more about Fleck, his condition, his life, and how it all connects to Gotham City. Those looking for a traditional comic book film will have to look elsewhere and had you removed all the "Gotham" bits of this, it would still be a great film; you just may not be thinking of it from the same angle. I appreciated the ties to the lore and by the time the film ends it truly does feel like a fitting origin story of the iconic villain. Interestingly enough, it's in a very grounded version of Gotham so in a way I found it could have almost been a direct prequel to The Dark Knight's version of the character (but no, there's no direct correlation).

There's plenty of talent behind the camera too which was necessary if this film wanted to stand out. Pacing felt appropriate while the editing allows scenes to linger. The cinematography is often more grand than you'd expect, helping Joaquin's interpretation of the character even more. And - I'm always happy to report this - it's got one of the best original scores of year. It may not have a lot of variation, but it certainly helps the film achieve its somber, but epic mood. That's two films in a row now, yay!

Why so serious?

Joker is a film to behold and it's one that will strike up endless conversations and think pieces. As it settles from its "shock" ending, your mind can go in a lot of different directions depending on who you are, which is part of the beauty of cinema. Some will be strictly tied to this as a comic book film and have their opinions about it as a prequel. Some will take it as face value. Others will look at it as a timely metaphor for violent, white, males and the mental health stigma that exists today. For me? Thanks to a theater patron that drove me up a wall, I left impressed, but perplexed about what someone as immature as that would take and keep from this film...all the while wondering if I was part of the problem for judging him so harshly. 

So perhaps the joke is on me. 

CONS

• Feels just slightly too long
• I wasn't a fan of how high a pedestal the violent icon felt by the ending
• Poor balance of ties to the comic lore; it goes in waves of focusing on it

PROS

• Phoenix's performance is a highly unique take on the character, filled with sadness and anger. Not sure we'll see a better one this year
• As an origin story to the character, it does the job well
• Highlights a topical issue of our time. Yes, it's through the extreme lens of a comic book villain, but it is definitely a conversation starter
• Felt well-paced before it arrives at its well-orchestrated ending
• Some of the best cinematography of the year
• One of the best original scores of the year and one that adds a lot to the film around it
• Compelling, disturbing, and a bit haunting, Joker is likely a film that will stick with you for days after you see it

Rath's Review Score | 9/10