Jameson Gibbs (TGIBBZ)

An experience I won't soon forget. I went in expecting a film reflecting societies fascination with the criminally insane and the cult followings that surround them. What I saw was a poetic and cleverly disguised Greek tradgedy musical that when combined with the first film, is a freshly crafted character study of a heavily tormented man being torn to pieces by mental illness, love, celebrity, social inequality, and conscience. With an ending that subverts its characters historical canon and delivers a tradgedy on a plate of moral redemption and empathy. I can understand viewers dissatisfaction at not getting another shocking serving of elites getting what they deserve. But for me, the bold differences between the two episodes perfectly reflect the differences between Arthur and the Joker. .. and I loved how the use of song and stageplay was used to as a tool to bring the audience into the minds of the characters. The concept of having their fantasies and dreams played out as musical numbers that end with a realization that perhaps each characters expectations of each other are not as true as the reality of the situation, wasnt always executed comprehensively but compelling and beautiful. And, an idea o hope to see implemented by other film makers. It works very well on this film because they ground the fantastical musical numbers with softly sung verses by and between the characters that were real and not just in their heads.