Joker (2019), directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, presents a fresh and chilling take on the iconic comic book villain. This film reinterprets the Joker, typically Batman’s arch-nemesis in the DC Comics universe, as a disturbed individual grappling with societal rejection, mental illness, and personal trauma. Unlike previous iterations of the character, this movie takes a grounded approach, focusing on the psychological deterioration of its protagonist, Arthur Fleck, as he transforms into the infamous Joker.
Set in the grimy and decaying streets of 1980s Gotham City, Joker is more than just a comic book origin story. It’s a character study that mirrors many of the anxieties prevalent in today’s world—economic inequality, systemic neglect of the mentally ill, and the alienation of individuals from society. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an intense, physically transformative performance that is arguably the centerpiece of the film. His portrayal of Arthur Fleck is not only terrifying but also strangely empathetic, making the audience question the role of society in creating monsters like the Joker.
The film begins by introducing Arthur Fleck as a man already on the edge of sanity. He works as a sign-twirling clown for hire while dreaming of a career in stand-up comedy, despite his apparent lack of comedic talent. Arthur lives with his ailing mother, Penny Fleck, in a small, run-down apartment. He suffers from a neurological condition that causes him to laugh uncontrollably at inappropriate times, a disorder that both isolates him from others and causes him constant humiliation. His life is a cycle of despair, and Gotham City itself is presented as a decaying, cruel metropolis that only amplifies Arthur’s internal turmoil.
Arthur’s descent into madness is catalyzed by a series of personal and societal failures. One of the most pivotal moments in the film occurs when he is assaulted by a group of teenagers while working as a street performer. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie, showcasing Arthur’s vulnerability and society’s indifference to his suffering. This indifference is further highlighted by the public services on which he relies, such as his therapy sessions and medications, being abruptly cut due to budget cuts. The absence of these services pushes Arthur deeper into his own delusions and paranoia.
The theme of societal neglect is a key driver of Arthur’s transformation into the Joker. Throughout the film, we see Arthur repeatedly ignored, ridiculed, and mistreated by those around him. His interactions with others—be it strangers, coworkers, or even people who should care for him—are marked by a lack of empathy and understanding. His mother, whom Arthur takes care of, represents a twisted form of dependence, as she harbors delusions about their relationship with Thomas Wayne, one of Gotham’s wealthiest citizens. Her insistence that Thomas Wayne will save them from their impoverished lives becomes another source of disillusionment for Arthur, especially when he uncovers uncomfortable truths about his own past.
A significant turning point in Arthur’s transformation is his encounter with three wealthy businessmen on a subway. After being harassed by them, Arthur shoots them in an act of self-defense that quickly turns into cold-blooded murder. This act of violence marks the moment when Arthur begins to embrace the chaotic and violent persona of the Joker. What’s more disturbing is the public’s reaction to these murders; the killings inspire a wave of protests against Gotham’s elite, with many seeing the killer as a symbol of resistance against economic inequality. The film deftly blurs the line between villain and hero, showing how a criminal act can be reframed as a political statement by a society desperate for change.
Arthur’s desire to be seen and heard culminates in his appearance on the “Murray Franklin Show,” a late-night talk show hosted by Murray Franklin, played by Robert De Niro. Throughout the film, Arthur fantasizes about being recognized by Murray, a father figure in his mind. When the opportunity finally arises for Arthur to appear on the show, it is clear that his fantasies are shattered. Murray, who had previously mocked Arthur’s failed comedy routine, invites him onto the show as a joke, not realizing the extent of Arthur’s unraveling mental state. This scene is one of the film’s most tense and unpredictable moments, as Arthur fully embraces his identity as the Joker, revealing his contempt for society before committing a shocking act of violence on live television.
One of the most striking aspects of Joker is its visual style. The film captures the bleakness of Gotham through its cinematography, with the city often depicted in muted colors and shadowy lighting. The decaying urban landscape mirrors Arthur’s deteriorating mental state, reinforcing the film’s themes of isolation and despair. The film’s use of close-up shots allows the audience to witness every nuance of Phoenix’s performance, particularly the physical toll that Arthur’s transformation takes on his body. Phoenix reportedly lost a significant amount of weight for the role, and his emaciated figure adds to the unsettling nature of his portrayal. The camera lingers on Arthur’s contorted body as he dances and moves in a way that feels both graceful and grotesque, underscoring the physical and psychological transformation he undergoes.
The score, composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, plays a crucial role in establishing the film’s tone. The haunting cello compositions that accompany Arthur’s journey into madness create a sense of unease that permeates the entire film. The music, much like the character of the Joker, feels unpredictable and disjointed at times, reflecting the chaotic nature of Arthur’s mind. The score is both melancholic and menacing, perfectly complementing Phoenix’s performance and the film’s dark narrative.
While Joker has been praised for its bold approach and Phoenix’s exceptional performance, it has also been the subject of controversy. Critics of the film have raised concerns about its portrayal of violence and the potential for audiences to sympathize with Arthur, despite his increasingly violent actions. The film’s depiction of a mentally ill man who becomes a symbol for societal rage has sparked debates about whether Joker glamorizes or excuses violence. Todd Phillips has defended the film by arguing that it does not endorse Arthur’s actions but instead seeks to explore the reasons why someone like him could exist in a world as broken as Gotham.
The film’s portrayal of mental illness is another aspect that has garnered attention, with some viewers appreciating its realistic depiction of how societal neglect can exacerbate mental health issues, while others feel that it reinforces negative stereotypes about mental illness leading to violence. Arthur’s condition is never fully diagnosed in the film, leaving viewers to interpret his mental state based on his actions and the trauma he experiences. The film highlights how Arthur’s attempts to seek help are thwarted at every turn, from the dismissive attitude of his social worker to the lack of access to proper medication. This lack of support is a significant factor in Arthur’s downward spiral, raising important questions about how society treats its most vulnerable members.
At its core, Joker is a film about identity and self-perception. Arthur’s journey is one of a man who feels invisible and insignificant, searching for validation and purpose in a world that continually rejects him. His transformation into the Joker is not just a physical or mental shift, but a symbolic one. As the Joker, Arthur finally feels powerful, seen, and in control, even if that control comes at the expense of chaos and violence. This theme of empowerment through destruction is central to the film’s narrative and is one of the reasons why Joker has resonated with so many viewers. The character’s anarchic worldview, where societal rules and norms are meaningless, taps into a broader sense of disillusionment with the status quo, a feeling that has become increasingly prevalent in modern times.
The film’s ending is deliberately ambiguous, leaving audiences to question what is real and what is imagined. After his climactic appearance on the Murray Franklin Show, Arthur is seen in a mental institution, laughing to himself. The final scene, in which Arthur walks down a hallway leaving a trail of bloody footprints, suggests that his descent into madness is complete. However, the film also hints that much of what the audience has witnessed may have been a product of Arthur’s imagination, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. This ambiguity is fitting for a character as complex and elusive as the Joker, who has always thrived on chaos and unpredictability.
Joker stands apart from other comic book adaptations in its refusal to adhere to traditional superhero or villain tropes. Instead of focusing on action or spectacle, the film is an intimate portrait of a man’s psychological disintegration, grounded in the real-world issues of poverty, mental illness, and societal apathy. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker is a masterclass in acting, capturing both the fragility and the menace of a character who has long been a symbol of chaos and anarchy. His performance is complemented by Todd Phillips’ direction, which skillfully combines elements of psychological drama, thriller, and social commentary to create a film that is as thought-provoking as it is unsettling.
Ultimately, Joker is a film that challenges its audience to confront uncomfortable truths about the world we live in. It raises difficult questions about the nature of violence, the role of society in shaping individuals, and the thin line between victim and villain. By presenting the Joker not as a supervillain but as a deeply troubled individual whose descent into madness is fueled by neglect and cruelty, the film forces viewers to consider how easily the boundaries of morality can blur. Whether one views Arthur Fleck as a tragic figure or a dangerous one, there is no denying the power of the story Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix have crafted. Joker is not just a movie about a comic book character—it’s a reflection of the darker aspects of human nature and the society that shapes it.
