Joker

Flix!

Joker

No masks, no hoodies, no sunglasses, on and on was the sign that greeted us at our local theater in small-town America and this was not on the door because of the newest Disney movie.

Joker is not an easy film to review. Because it is a complicated delve into the psychosis and mental illness of this delusional man and then also touches upon the failures of a system that would prefer to lock up the ill rather than treat them.

This is a look into the downward spiral of a man who has suddenly been neglected by the system. Budget cuts don't you know. He lives with his mother and she is ill.

But this is the perfect back story to the Batman character Joker. Portrayed magnificently by Joaquin Phoenix who can always make the screen his own playground. He has deftly morphed from Johnny Cash, and the lonely man in Her, to this complicated character. Some may complain that there wasn't enough action, things blowing up, and exploding, but that will happen later. This is how The Joker came to be.

It adds layers of complexity to a character some may have written off as just another criminal with a gimmick, giving himself a clown face and so on. But no. So much deeper than that.

I for one, now have even more respect for Heath Ledger's  uncanny portrayal of this character because it all makes more sense now.

I would recommend this film, but not if you just want another boring superhero movie. This is levels above that.

I think there may be an Oscar nod for Joaquin and although he may not win, this performance is worthy of a nomination.


Grade: B