Joker

A decent psychological drama about an incurable reprobate or the excellent comic origin story of an elusive and provocative bad guy. The latter contains everything that is most essential to revitalizing a classic comic book character – revision and updating. Daring to make the Wayne Family the most negative element we can without any major frills may seem to pander to current commercial demands reflecting contemporary class friction, but it's still a terribly radical step, because that’s the position Batman, as a pure symbol of the guardian elites who decide good and evil from a position of inherited position and wealth (thanks largely to Nolan's visions of a chaotic enemy coming from below), has maintained thus far. If, in the end, Joker does indeed launch a new Gotham universe, it'll be fun to watch the Batman get tossed to filmmakers who have more sympathy for radical incels than those who want to make decisions about them and stop their actions. (12/31/2019)

I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting another one of those comic book-inspired films that have become one big boring blur to me, unlike similarly themed series. Instead, I got a decent drama starring the excellent Joaquin Phoenix, and because we cripples have to stand up for each other, I’m adding an extra star. (03/02/2020)

Probably the only movie I had a real problem to finish. Fantastic portrayal of one of the most terrifying villains of all time. All aspects of the story and its execution work perfectly. Joaquin gives a chilling performance. Precision work, but I'll probably never watch the film again. (10/03/2019)

I hardly ever watch comic book movies because they usually say nothing to me. I was only tempted by the Joker because the title role was played by Joaquin Phoenix, who has been one of my favorite actors for many years. I'm used to anything from him, yet I was literally shocked at the bravura of his delivery of the failed comedian Arthur Fleck. More than once my smile froze on my lips, the sight of his mentally disturbed clown. Fortunately, the movie is quite different from the classic comic book it is based on. I am pleasantly surprised that ultimately it is actually a psychological drama with strong social and societal implications. (85%) (04/21/2022)