Ursula Armstrong

I think it was an excellent movie, apocalyptic, reflecting many of the problems society faces today i.e. lack of understanding and compassion, lack of services for people suffering from mental illness and personality disorders, lack of support for the poor and disenfranchised, failure in the education system, lack of opportunities, the replacement of governance with rule, and so much more. I believe this film shows the thin line that can separate reality and fantasy. I understood early on that much of what was shown on the screen was Joker’s fantasy i.e. his relationship with his neighbour. At first the relationship seems believable but towards the end one realises it is his creation and this is clear, to me, from the neighbour’s response to him when he visits. Of course, Joker has been conditioned to live fantasies and lies by his psychotic mother. The acting is superior and Joaquin Phoenix does not miss a beat. This film warns us: look around, think, care and contribute.