“Joker”

“Joker” is a really tough film to review because as well done as it is and as amazing a performance Joaquin Phoenix gives, I can’t really say I enjoyed very much of it, if any. This is almost a film you need to absorb and take in than go into looking for entertainment. This is a very dark picture that reminded me of some of the darker social dramas from the mid 70’s such as Taxi Driver & a little of The King of Comedy, which are both Scorsese films, albeit a little later in 1983. Phoenix’ version of Joker is a real tough guy to watch. He’s a malnourished sad sack with a mental illness who lives with his old letch of a mother. He has a dead end job and gets beaten up mentally and physically. Deep down he’s a good guy, but has so many issues to deal with. His admiring of a Johnny Carson type asshole played by Robert DeNiro leads to a rousing climax that is as disturbing as it is powerful. I have to say i was pretty blown away by Phoenix in this role. This is a different take on the role and he knocks it out of the park. There are connections to the Batman mythology and I enjoyed those little Easter eggs because it made the film a little easier to watch. I’m going to recommend this movie because it should be seen. It is well done, well acted and pretty powerful. Maybe see it and discuss it afterwards because it’s not a feel good story or popcorn entertainment.

Rating (***)