Joker : A realistic description of 80's with a slight Gotham touch.

 Todd Phillips's Joker is one of the rare movies where even though the title seems to be comic book inspired, the movie is more realistic than one imagines.  I recently watched this again and it made me realize the beautiful intricate details Todd has included.  It was surprise switch from Todd considering his comedic Hangover series. 

Being highly inspired from Scorsese's "King of Comedy", the story revolves around the character Arthur Fleck (played by none other than Joaquin Phoenix) who is sick of the society that we live in and undergoes a drastic psychological transformation that makes him into a maniac. The story is based on the DC's comic city Gotham which is inspired from 80's New York where crime was rampant.  Robert De Niro's short powerful role is an allude to King of Comedy with roles replaced where Arthur is judged by the people around him. The setup of Arthur Fleck's apartment is precisely done which somehow is a big replica of the final act of the movie. The film blends imagination and reality in a fantastic way which makes its ending wildly open to be interpretation. The song choices just enhance the gravity of the scenes and makes you understand the transformation of this character. The dark shady choices of lightning as a constant theme with bright colors to Arthur does shine its personality.

After Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger,  Joaquin fills the shoe and does a perfect job to this complicated character which is a living embodiment of chaos in the world.  The Joker in DC comics never had an origin story and this gives a mysterious touch to this character.  This was also shown in Dark Knight where Alfred (played by Michael Caine) describes that " some people like to watch the world burn".  This movie provides a possible description to this question and it is a justice to what Joker is in comics.  Joaquin's body transformation and his intense dedication to the gestures, mannerism and the laugh sticks to eyes of the audience. You will get creeped by him but you will feel for him too.  Zazie Beetz's role as an imaginary push and friend in Arthur's mind was perfect. 

As dark theme is my all time favorite genre, it is hard for me to find things that I did not like in this film .The comic side of mine only makes me want that wish there was more easter eggs from DC. But it is a small wishful fulfillment.  The standalone movie of such a twisted character is lovable to watch if you are lover of deep character study oriented entertainment.  It truly deserves the accolades that it received !!





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