Joker (2019).

Review #1282: Joker.

Cast: 
Joaquin Phoenix (Arthur Fleck / Joker), Robert De Niro (Murray Franklin), Zazie Beetz (Sophie Dumond), Frances Conroy (Penny Fleck), Brett Cullen (Thomas Wayne), Douglas Hodge (Alfred Pennyworth), Dante Pereira-Olson (Bruce Wayne), Glenn Fleshler (Randall), Bill Camp (Garrity), Shea Whigham (Burke), Marc Maron (Gene Ufland), and Leigh Gill (Gary) Directed by Todd Phillips (#564 - Starsky & Hutch)

Review: 
I would not be the first to admit that this film picked up traction for curiosity in the months before its release. Actually, the interest for most probably was pretty much there from when it was announced back in 2017. It certainly seems to be the kind of film to have staying power, particularly in conversation over its merits as a different kind of comic book film (along with some other conversations about its tone possibly inspiring real word violence, which really does come off as a big joke that could only be done by hack writers repeating the same fear that did not transpire for other films, like Do the Right Thing). It surely has taken influence from films such as Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, where it tries to ground itself in its look of a man from the other parts of society, where warmth seems like a commodity waiting to be crushed into the ground and chaos seems only fitting for a place like this. Phillips also co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver, which certainly likes to play itself as a creepy tense drama along with moments of humor, each of which work themselves well enough to a degree. For all the posturing one could do about the subject matter or its tone, the easiest thing to say in my mind is that Joker proved to be just fine. It isn't a masterpiece by any means (which is apparent if you compare it the two films I just mentioned or not), nor one becomes engulfed by mediocrity, which is certainly fun to say when it comes to having a good time and then having to think about exactly what they just saw.

This is a movie about a failed comedian who ends up turning to crime while dressed up as a clown, after all. If one can see the origin of Batman several times on film in the past few decades, why wouldn't there be an origin on his greatest foe? After all, each portrayal of the Joker (as created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson) on film has their own take of the criminal mastermind since Cesar Romero in 1966 (with most of them being pretty good, minus the previous one). It only makes sense to do an origin story (of sorts), where it isn't beholden to the outlines delivered by the comics featuring the character on-and-off over seven decades but instead makes its own path forward. In that sense, Phoenix is positively the one for this role, undeniably captivating to watch in seeing such a pained broken man, whether physically or through a matter or laughing. The others of the cast make their moments count fairly well for a film that tries to have its cake of commentary and its origin story with small moments for the supporting characters to grasp at. Beetz is fine, having a smooth quiet chemistry with Phoenix for what is needed, if that makes sense. De Niro playing a homage with a talk show host crossing paths with a failed comedian does work out alright for his few minutes on screen. Conroy and Cullen are just as alright for the needed moments, all things considered. It should come as no surprise that the film indulges itself in violence at times, to where one almost could see this as horror (bit of a stretch, but think about it) rather than a psychological thriller, but it doesn't come off as unnecessary or to the detriment of the film and its intent, which works itself out just fine. It verges as a sometimes thoughtful look on society and what could happen when one's binders to the world around them wears off. The film is a wild weird mess at 122 minutes, but I applaud the efforts to make a dark film out of a comic book, as it is the kind of bold film that will surely have plenty of fans and detractors to write screeds about, for better or worse. It is a movie that is dreary, cynical, riveting, and plenty of other descriptions that fits its title character as well as anyone could really expect.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.