Michael Tooze

It was sooooo boring with a capital ZZZZZZ. The film had a few redeeming features but even so, watching it became a chore. I felt Sandra Bullock was too old for her role. John Malkovich seemed to be going through the motions & apart from the 2 kids I couldn't really engage with the other characters in the movie. I thought the premise was ok but maybe a novelization would have worked better than a film. I would give it a 2/5.

This movie is dark, gritty & delightful. Phoenix is mesmerising as Arthur Fleck/Joker. The film is well shot and introduces a new take on the clown prince of crime without detracting from the character in the slightest. There are certain parts of the narrative I felt were not needed when other avenues could have been explored. The transformation of Arthur has been intricately weaved together, this beautiful piece of artistry needs to be examined closely to make the piece a feast for the senses. The movie is clever enough to let you draw your own conclusions about the main protagonist his role in the world & the extent of his grip on reality. The emergence of the Joker in his full make-up & outlandish suit are the difference between the grey of Dorothy's Kansas & Oz. The worst thing about this one off movie was I want to see what happens in the next chapter of Arthurs life. We saw the butterfly emerge from the cocoon & now I want to see him spread his wings. The critics raved 5 stars all the way. In my opinion it's a very high end 4.5 however, I would pay this movie the greatest compliment by saying I would go to the cinema & watch it again.