Directed by Todd Phillips

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz

Rated R for strong bloody violence, disturbing behavior, language and brief sexual images

I am in shock and awe of what director Todd Philips is able to achieve when given the right material. This is not a dig at Philips, but it proves that the director of “The Hangover” is able to make a dark and disturbing villain origin story. But “Joker” is not just a Batman villain origin story, but it’s a story that so much to say and sparks a dialogue. “Joker” takes place in the early 1980’s, but the message of the story feels so relevant to the present day.

“Joker” is the origin of Batman’s most famous villain, the Joker. Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix) is a middle aged man who has unfortunate events after events come into this life. Fleck has never given a golden ticket in life and is on the verge of breaking down at any moment. This is a different Joker, as we know the backstory and the reason why the Joker is what he is.

The clear standout in “Joker” is the acting abilities of Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix had a daunting task of taking on a role that has been done multiple times, with different angles. But Phoenix’s Joker is not the same as Nicholson’s or Ledger’s or even Leto’s Joker. Mostly because the Joker is not in the film until the final act of the film. The entire film is a character study of Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill man who keeps getting beaten down by life. Phoenix’s role as the character makes him so sympathetic and makes Fleck so human. It is so unfortunate to see event after event bring down Fleck but he wants to keep a smile, as his mother tells him. His dreams of being a stand up comedian are dashed when talk show host, Murray Franklin (played by Robert De Niro) insults and berates Fleck’s comedy bit.

But back to Phoenix’s impeccable acting skills. Phoenix is almost unrecognizable as Fleck. As mentioned before, the last act of the film is Fleck as the Joker. When the Joker is on the screen, I almost forgot that Phoenix was acting on screen. There are multiple moments of Phoenix having to laugh uncontrollably, I just ponder how exactly Phoenix got into character. There is nothing but praise for Phoenix, there is not one false note in his performance and this role just reinforces the fact that Phoenix is one of the greatest actors working today. If this role doesn’t win him an Oscar, then I don’t know what will.

I also want to praise the storytelling of Todd Philips. Once again, it amazes me that the director of “Old School” was able to tell a complex story like this. Along with screenwriter Scott Silver, Philips tells more than a story of how the Joker became to be. It has a message of how mental illness should be taken seriously. Without revealing too much, Fleck visits a therapist and is given medication for his mental illness. But the city decides to cut this on their budget, therefore Fleck not having access to medication and a therapist. In addition to this, it has a comment on how a revolution is started. A viewing of the film makes this message so self explanatory, I don’t think it would be fair to talk about this point without giving any spoilers.

The supporting roles of Robert De Niro and Zazie Beetz are well executed as well. But their roles were very limited, I would love to seen more of them on screen, however, this is a character study of Arthur Fleck.But I will admit that Beetz’s role as a love interest did not add much to the film, I would have preferred more from her or the role be cut altogether. But speaking of De Niro, the final act of the film brought so much tension and suspense that I have not experienced in a long time. It felt as if I were watching a horror film.

In short, “Joker” is a career defining role for Joaquin Phoenix who brings humanity into a villainous role that has been taken on multiple times over the decades. “Joker” will leave the audience guessing what will happen next and have them ask more and more questions as the film progresses. “Joker” is not only a film that commands to be seen but it’s one of the best film of the year…thus far.

4/4