Chris Rees
9/5/2019
MC 3036
- Write a blog post about one piece of visual art, writing, music, film or TV.
Joker (2019) movie trailer.
When someone thinks of the Joker, a few performances come into mind. Mark Hammil’s voice acting in many renditions of the character throughout the years, Jack Nicholson’s performance in Batman (19–), and Heath Ledger’s performance in The Dark Knight (2008.) Most people would argue the best live action Joker character performance would be between Ledger and Nicholson. Both have their strengths and influences on the character in Hollywood. No one could ever top or match those performances right? Well, Joaquin Phoenix’s part in Todd Phillips’s Joker (2019) may just make you wonder about that theory.
After watching the trailers released and reading reviews from critics who have gotten to see the movie before release, the new rendition of the iconic Batmancharacter could not only match its predecessors, but top them. There are many origin stories of the Joker. He really has no set origin story in the comics or movies/games/etc. The character oozes chaos and mystery, which is all part of his charm some might say.
Phillips’s story line follows a man names Arthur Fleck; a troubled and mentally ill in 1970’s Gotham City struggling with being bullied by, well, everyone it seems. His therapist can’t meet with him anymore and he complains about her not listening to him. He not only feels neglected, but he feels like he cant live up to his sick mother’s expectation of putting smiles and laughter in other people’s lives. After what seems a failed comedy career, he goes mad and dons the makeup and persona to become an early version of the clown prince of crime. He noticeably looks better and happier as the chaotic clown than he ever looked as the sickly, outcast Arthur.
This movie favors an origin of society creating the monster, rather than a vat of chemicals or any outlandish comic book origin. The movie highlights how people with mental illnesses are treated not only in this time, but even today. No one understands Arthur and he makes the city pay for it. This movie could not only showcase an Oscar-winning performance by Phoenix, but also play a huge role for people suffering from similar problems and help people understand them better.
Will Phoenix top Ledger or Nicholson’s performances in Joker? We can’t say yet. However, with IGN’s rating of a “10/10 Masterpeice” and film festival’s 8-minute standing ovation, it’s nearly impossible for a movie fanatic not to get at least a little chill from these speculations.
Chris's blog 