Chris J

Joker is in my opinion a great movie. Before we get into why I just want to say that I have read tons of reviews claiming it is overly violent, nihilistic, and glorifies gun crime. Ridiculous, do not believe these things. I don't understand how these people gain employment with such strange conclusions. The main character was abused and becomes sick and nihilistic. This means the character is nihilistic, not the film. This particular character opts to take it out on the Gotham city that has beaten him down. And the film isn't overly violent for shock value, it matches perfectly the grief and turmoil you see bubbling up from beneath the surface of this character. The violence is as extreme as the rage Arthur has bottled up, so it frustrates me when critics say it is for shock value. Lastly, yes, there is gun violence. That doesn't mean it is glorifying it. Again, certain characters are driven to a point where they decided to use a gun, wrongfully or rightfully, but the film doesn't go over the top with it, the scenes are just raw and gritty so I think people are judging the creators of this film for that decision. Now: Acting 10/10 Cinematography 9/10 Score 9/10 Dialogue 7/10 Plot 7/10 The film hasn't reinvented the wheel and yes, for anyone that has seen Taxi Driver or King of Comedy it draws a huge amount of inspiration from them. But it is its own film. Phoenix as you'd expect is marvelous. Ledger gave us an epic, original, intelligent, and very quotable Joker. Phoenix has given us a more varied performance, emotionally. You feel sorry for Arthur. Then he disturbs you, then you sympathize with him, then he absolutely horrifies you, then you pity him, then you're scared again, and this goes on. Phoenix as required has expertly given his character layers, as well as displaying the slow but unforgettable transformation from an insecure and pitiful loner to a flamboyant and iconic symbol of lawlessness. His best acting is when he allows Arthur's emotions to escape through his eyes and facial expressions. These moments are so moving and powerful. This part will be brief. The cinematography is sublime. Many many shots could be pictures you hang on your wall, were it not for the doom and gloom in them. But from the trailers we knew this would be the case. Now onto the score. The music in the film matches perfectly the tone, mood, and emotions throughout. It is a mostly dark and brooding score, but one of my favourite parts has to be during the bathroom scene. With this beautiful music it becomes such a heart breaking scene. For fans of the Joker character you will be enjoying the transformation into the beloved comic villain, but Hildur's beautiful score will more than once make you feel so sorry for Arthur, his life, and the unfortunate choices he proceeded to make. The music adds horror when it needs to but it is also always there to remind you that this was just a lonely and sick man that wanted to be noticed, connected, and treated with dignity and respect. It really does add so much to this movie. The dialogue and the plot are good but nothing the get too excited about. However, there is enough here that people calling it a masterpiece are not completely deluded. If not a masterpiece it is still without doubt a must see. A beautiful, haunting, and tragic film.