By: Carlo Angelo Sunga
HIGHLIGHT: As one infamous clown once said, “That's how far the world is from where I am. Just one bad day.” Joker, Batman: The Killing Joke
So far, 2019 is full of remarkable films, and Todd Phillip’s Joker might be one of them. It’s a memorable viewing experience that left me pondering the question of whether or not it’s a well-crafted masterpiece.
There’s no doubt Joker is an enjoyable cinematic treasure; it shies away from the source material and crafts its own story. As such, it appeals to both non-fans and fans of the 79-year old character. Nonetheless, does it make it film worthy enough to watch?
Well, yes. Despite its slow-burn pace, the story of Arthur Fleck is invigorating enough to bring you at the edge of your seat until the end. It showcases the build-up of one man’s path to insanity with a message that’s easy to convey.
However, this “message” might be its number one flaw as well. The film isn’t meant to be a sociopolitical statement, yet some viewers might think it is.
Joker is a character study, not a representation of mental health in general. While it conveys emotions well enough for viewers to relate with, it’s not something that should be taken seriously.
To get to the point, Joker is like everyone’s wet dream, a selfish fantasy of revenge and anger, similar to what Taxi Driver showed back in 1976. The film is still an enjoyable cinematic experience, thanks to the brilliant performance by Joaquin Phoenix. He captures the essence of how one bad day can turn a man insane.
The controversy surrounding Joker might be bigger than the film itself, but it doesn’t make the viewing experience any less dull or unimaginative.
The unsettling tone is quite unorthodox for a comic book film, maybe because it doesn’t view itself as one. For both fans and non-fans, Joker is a must-watch.
At the end of the day, don’t let the hype get the best of you, form your own opinion.
This is my substantial opinion of the film. Did you watch Joker already? What do you think of Arthur Fleck and his origin story? Let me know in the comment section below.
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