Joker

Joker is a 2019 American psychological Thriller film directed by Todd Phillips and co-written by Phillips and Scott Silver. The film is based on the DC Comics character, the Joker, and stars Joaquin Phoenix as the title character, with Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, and Brett Cullen in supporting roles. The film is a standalone origin story that explores the evolution of the character of the Joker, a failed stand-up comedian who turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City.

Run time

2hr 2min

Plot

Set in 1981, the film follows Arthur Fleck, a struggling clown and aspiring comedian who suffers from a neurological disorder that causes him to laugh uncontrollably at inappropriate times. Arthur lives with his mother, Penny, who is bedridden and dependent on him for care. Arthur is bullied by street kids and harassed by adults, including his co-workers at a clown-for-hire agency. He also dreams of appearing on a late-night talk show hosted by his idol, Murray Franklin.

Arthur’s life takes a dark turn when he is mugged by a group of teenagers, and his coworker gives him a gun to protect himself. He eventually kills three businessmen in self-defense on a subway train and becomes a symbol of hope for the downtrodden citizens of Gotham. However, his actions also catch the attention of billionaire Thomas Wayne, who is running for mayor and sees the Joker as a dangerous threat to the city.

As Arthur descends into madness, he becomes the Joker, a violent and unpredictable criminal who revels in chaos and destruction. He is eventually invited to appear on Murray Franklin’s talk show, where he delivers a chilling monologue about the society that has rejected him and inspired him to become the Joker. The film ends with the Joker being arrested and institutionalized, and his followers rioting in the streets of Gotham.

Cast

• Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker
• Robert De Niro as Murray Franklin
• Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond
• Frances Conroy as Penny Fleck
• Brett Cullen as Thomas Wayne
• Douglas Hodge as Alfred Pennyworth
• Dante Pereira-Olson as Bruce Wayne

Production

Development of the film began in 2016 when Todd Phillips approached Warner Bros. Pictures with the idea of making a film about the Joker. Phillips wanted to make a film that was separate from the DC Extended Universe, allowing for more creative freedom. Joaquin Phoenix was cast as the Joker in 2018, and filming began later that year in New York City.

The film received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and Phoenix’s performance. It won several awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, winning two for Best Actor (Phoenix) and Best Original Score (Hildur Guðnadóttir). The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.

Reception

Joker received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising Phoenix’s performance as the Joker. The film also generated controversy for its depiction of violence and its portrayal of mental illness. Some critics praised the film for its social commentary, while others criticized it for glorifying the Joker’s actions.

Controversy

Joker generated controversy before and after its release. Some critics expressed concern that the film could inspire real-world violence, while others argued that it was a reflection of the current political climate. The film was also criticized for its portrayal of mental illness, with some arguing that it perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Accolades

Joker was nominated for numerous awards and won several, including:

Academy Awards: Best Actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and Best Original Score (Hildur Guðnad

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Trivia

• The movie was directed by Todd Phillips, who is best known for his comedies such as The Hangover trilogy.

• The role of Joker was played by Joaquin Phoenix, who underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role, losing 52 pounds in weight.

• The movie was inspired by Martin Scorsese’s films Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, and it also features Robert De Niro, who starred in both of those films.

• The movie received critical acclaim and won several awards, including two Oscars for Best Actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and Best Original Score (Hildur Guðnadóttir).

• The movie explores the origin story of Joker, a character from the Batman comics, and portrays him as a mentally ill man who is driven to violence and chaos by societal rejection and injustice.

• The movie was controversial for its portrayal of violence and its depiction of mental illness, with some critics and mental health advocates arguing that it could be harmful to people with mental health issues.

• The movie was a box office success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time (as of September 2021).

• The movie features several iconic scenes, including Joker’s dance down the stairs and his appearance on the talk show hosted by Robert De Niro’s character.

• The movie’s soundtrack, composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, features a haunting score that uses unusual instruments such as a cello and a prepared piano.

• The movie was shot in New York City and features several iconic locations such as the Bronx steps, where Joker dances down the stairs.