Joker - Todd Phillips
Drama/Thriller - R - 2019
Joaquin Phoenix is a phenomenal actor but has always creeped me out immensely. He is perfect for this role. Joker is not your atypical comic book action movie, but instead; a low-budget character study of a man on the brink of insanity. He has nothing left to lose and he knows it. It’s a gritty adaptation of the infamous villain’s bleak backstory.
It’s disturbing, yet hard to look away. Viewing this film almost felt like watching a play building up to its climax. Arthur is not a role model, nor someone relatable - but Phoenix almost makes you feel bad for him. Phillips and Phoenix did a masterful job at crafting this story, as it really gives major Taxi Driver vibes. It’s the same premise: distraught loner turning against an increasingly hostile and unstable society that he believes cannot be fixed.
One bad decision and things begin to spiral out of control. It’s dark, disturbing and brilliant all at once. I definitely recommend catching it in theaters while you can. I was pretty skeptical going in, but overall I thought it was fantastically directed; with Phoenix’s unsettling take on the “Clown Prince of Crime” showing us the iconic villain in a new light.
