It was the best of clown times, it was the worst of clown times. I'm not sure who told Hollywood we needed to see how the Joker came to be, but I can't say I'm complaining about it too much. Joker is, like the title suggests, about the villain Joker and how he went from a normal man to the infamous antagonist to Batman. The movie explores how Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who is trying to make his way in a dangerous, decaying Gotham City. Arthur is a clown by trade but aspires to be a stand-up comedian. However, it seems like people are laughing at him more than his jokes. This causes a downward spiral in which makes Arthur become dangerous and making decisions that turn him into the iconic villain we know today. I don't normally feel excitement at the idea of making villain origin stories, but this movie made me realize we don't know how the Joker came to be despite having many renditions of the Joker. This movie gave a deeper picture and insight into how it does eventually set up for a future where the Joker is antagonizing Batman. I really did enjoy the fact Phillips gave an actual, plausible reason why Arthur descended into the madness of the Joker. He didn't rely on tired, played out tropes and predictable storylines. But still, it felt like a joke - no pun intended - about Arthur. It really played on the fact that Arthur already had mental health problems before Gotham City cut social services so he couldn't access his medication. Mental health is so nuanced and individual, but there were moments where it felt like the descent to madness was over-exaggerated to the point of making the Joker a caricature. I felt like there was a large pass because the Joker is technically an over-the-top, outlandish character and also because no one has ever done his backstory before. But that big twist? Of why the Joker really hates Batman and by extension Bruce Wayne? Now THAT was a spicy meatball. While that twist hasn't been confirmed to be true (trust me, I checked!), it still sets up for a real legitimate villain origin story. It's not a perfect movie, but this is the first Best Picture nominee I would be willing to see again.
This is a PSA: Hildur is a Goddess for this score. Please check it out, I beg you.
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