Joker The Film: An Unpleasant, Eye Opener Experience

Joker tells the sad and cruel story of a mentally ill wannabe comedian Arthur Fleck, brilliantly portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, wearing two masks: one working as a third class clown and a second one trying to blend into society as a “normal” citizen. But in Gotham city nothing seems normal. A decaying city swarmed with bullies, addicts, and injustice where he’s simply trying to survive alongside his ill mother, Penny Fleck (Frances Conroy). Joker’s persona is a complex one that requires a long introduction in the story which is why the film may feel a bit tedious at the beginning. The cast includes the multiple award-winning Robert de Niro as Murray Franklin, the TV host Arthur admires the most, who down the road will use him as subject of mockery for his audience entertainment.

The film, directed by Todd Philips, is based in the DC Comics characters where Joker inevitably becomes Batman’s nemesis, and for many it seems like he’s condoning violence and inciting mass murder, probably in light of the recent shootings occurring in the USA. Wrong!

That’s completely absurd if you look at the film as an eye opener, and as an opportunity to re-evaluate our role within our families. And ultimately, into society based on the way Joker goes down the dark abyss of this grotesque, delusional transformation fueled by revenge from the way he’s been treated. Being aware that this is where he’s coming from and not from pure evil is understandable, but not justifiable . Why would someone ever want to inflict pain on others?

Neglected, bullied, and abused, Arthur Fleck as expected simply explodes. In an attempt to regain control of his life, he unintentionally becomes the iconic and demented clown that supposedly promises to bring down injustice, along with all the wealthy magnates that oppress the city here represented by Thomas Wayne, Batman’s father . This is probably the reason why the film wasn’t very well received by many of those in power, but at the end of the day he’s just a fictional character for entertainment purposes only, and not meant to educate people. So enjoy the film and try to be kind with one another because you never know how you’ll end up making a difference in someone’s life!