Christine Vargas

7/10 This is a different level of Joker. He seems nothing like Nolan’s character and I’ve noticed many people question how this new character could tie in with the rest of the DCU but I don’t believe he has to. This character deals in the perspective of more realistic situational conflicts that shape you throughout ones life. Many missed opportunities and how much people feel more comfortable turning the other cheek than helping. It’s about a society so hurt, they have become careless and cruel, only in self defense. Some have even gone mad. Joaquin Phoenix was and is a great actor and there is no fault in his portrayal of the character. He gives it so much emotion and is well fleshed out. There are plenty of times you care for him and begin to understand his confusion and fears. Cinematography is beautiful and the dreary looks dreary and the dreamy looks dreamy. It plays a big part in telling the story as well as the score. My 7 rating comes from the multiple borrowed story line that reminds me of all my favorite dark comedy films roles into one with Joker name slapped on. It doesn’t seem original to me, but then again, the story of this man is one we all know too well. It’s the story of a broken spirit trying to survive. I expected something less fight club, taxi driver, American psycho and more it’s own. But it does give you Killing Joke vibes so I suppose all these characters just share the same pain. There is a couple of confusing parts people believe to be opportunistic and make their own opinions on it but it’s too many for me to get a clear reading in the message that’s trying to portray besides the “society makes monster” thing. I’d watch it again to understand more of it and maybe catch a thing or two I missed.