I recently watched The Batman, which I found to be a pretty interesting take on the character, mixed with a lot of decent cinematography and atmosphere. Though, my two main problems with the film were its length and weirdly uninteresting villain that felt shoehorned in. For some reason, I've been putting off watching Joker since it released, initially a result of just not being interested in superhero films; something that still is very much the case. Though, here and there my curiosity may lead to an attempted viewing. I first tried watching Joker a while back, even, but I found myself struggling to pay attention. These days I am trying to branch out a bit more with the media I surround myself with. Getting back into video games, starting to read comics I have owned for years but never read, even watching superhero films and animations. With this, I felt the need to give Joker a chance again, knowing it was hailed as shallow arthouse, and with that prior viewing of The Batman, I figured there was little room for disliking Joker to the point in which I couldn't finish it.
One of my main disappointments with the whole superhero genre is how the films never really took themselves seriously. They made a mockery of the characters to the point where it was purely theatrical and never something that could be actually engaging. To add to this, these films only ever seemed (and still do) to portray the good guys. This is really odd to me, given that even I'm aware of the sheer depth comic book worlds have when it comes to villains. Highly creative designs and backstories, some simplistic and comedic, others given a bit more thought. Even now, I can't think of any other superhero films that actually focus on the deeds of a villain. Joker appears to be the one and only. Think about it: all those characters, so many stories to tell. Yet we saw Captain America how many times? I don't want to praise Joker for more than it deserves, and I still chuckle lightly at a reference to the film I saw online once claiming it was to be considered the 'McDonald's of arthouse'. But really, finally a comic book character taken seriously, a none other than the perspective of a villain! Villains alone don't get enough attention in films; despite being some of the most interesting characters to watch due to their troublesome minds.
This, this is something that I can actually get behind. Something that speaks to me a bit more than the usual style of release that comes from Marvel or DC. I'm not looking for anything too serious and dark, but just something that sees the potential in the characters they own, and looking into how they can be introduced to the world on the big screen. Even saying this, it is not deny that Joker has its own weaknesses, it's a far from perfect film. But I would say that I would like to see the owners of these characters actually use them.
Joker
Joaquin Phoenix is an actor that has really managed to find success in age. Being an actor that was already relatively famous, its his later years that appear to display his sheer talent, taking on roles that are quite vast in character, showing much range in his abilities. It's interesting to see that he could take on such a huge character like Joker, and at a glance one might assume this is a strange casting option. But Joaquin went the extra mile here, losing an incredible amount of weight and reducing himself to a strange, contorted lump of boney flesh. It's this perception of the character that makes him shine the most, rather than the more chubbier prior adaptations, where he truly is constantly smiling. Here, Joker doesn't start off as a fun-loving psychopath. And a totally different approach compared to Nolan's films. Instead, this Joker is deeply human. To the point in which you really resonate with his character in the earlier stages of the film.
Joker is ultimately a story of one man's descent into madness as a result of mental illness, both within the individual and across the board in relation to society itself. There's no question that the modern world is a place of insanity, where little appears to make sense; people on the Internet even before the film would refer to the modern world as a clown world. An ongoing circus, theatrical performances of corporations, individuals, and events themselves that can't be taken seriously and highlight the idiocy of what we believe is a structured society governed by law and order. Put relatively lightly, Joker holds a mirror up against its audience with the idea of a flawed, ill society that doesn't take care of its inhabitants, particularly the most vulnerable ones. It really is quite tragic, and it's easy to forget that while we watch Joker take shape, it's really a result of genuine reasons, the idea that it can happen to anyone. That one day the vulnerable could snap as a result of their lack of support, and the constant poking with a stick that is felt from the endless stresses of trying to function in this world. Family expectations, work and careers, money, friends, each of things adding a little bit of stress each into a single person. Some, unfortunately feeling it more than others. This is Joker.
Todd Philips touches the character of Joker with such empathy to begin with. Showing us a normal man that is struggling within Gotham (New York City for the most part) as a performer. He's a quiet, gentle guy that seems to have a struggle functioning with others. Not quite sure how to act or what to think and feel. It's how others treat him that sends him into the initial stages of madness, talking down upon him, treating him like a nobody. I quite liked this idea as an introduction to the character, to see the villain before they're a villain, and thus the reasons behind their future acts that are often difficult to understand. Sometimes, a villain seems like a villain just for fun, whereas in this case, it's a result of a troubled upbringing in a broken, ever-changing society that he just can't seem to keep up with. In some instances, this really worked well. But the story took a few weird turns that I couldn't seem to care for. Naturally, taking place in Gotham, the creation of Joker as a character takes place within the same space as the Wayne family. I think I would've preferred if the film didn't really bother mentioning this, but it began to stick with this idea quite a bit, showing the parents, even showing a tiny Bruce. These constant nods to remind us where we are and in which franchise felt a bit out of place. Pulling us out of the character and descent into madness he faces and almost reminding us that he isn't really a main character.
This can be easy to overlook, though, after all it is a film that's clearly part of a broader picture that's going to end up being utilised later on. Especially given the similarities in cinematography between Joker and The Batman, they're far too similar (even though yes they're from the same director) to not have any connection in some regard down the line. Ultimately, you can look at Joker as an introductory film, one that establishes a character before the inevitable sequels and connections part of a broader cinematic universe. The cinematography is certainly something to appreciate. It's unique for a film of this genre, with slow dolly shots that creep in and out of a room featuring our protagonist. I liked when this happened as it showed the back of Joaquin Phoenix, his skinny structure that was emphasised by a lack of strength. It made him seem odd, somewhat freakish. Very similar to the many harsh comments people would make about him. With his character being a performer, it makes sense that his character would be appreciative of the arts still. Even better to portray him under vibrant colours surrounding by mostly dim lighting. Fortunately, none of this was overshadowed by an unnecessary runtime, making the time it had feel just enough. Perhaps could've been utilised a little more better without the Wayne family side of things, but I think it said enough regarding the character and the flaws in our society that sum up the fact that really, anyone could end up being Joker.
