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Writer's pictureStephen Yanni

Joker (2019) – Familiar Story, Unforgettable Performance

Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5 Stars)

Released 10-04-2019

Watched 09-28-2024

Reviewed 10-07-2024

Watched on Max




"I know it seems strange, I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. I don't know why everyone is so rude; I don't know why you are. I don't want anything from you. Maybe a little bit of warmth, maybe a hug, dad?"


Joker (2019) is a haunting portrayal of one man’s spiral into insanity, anchored by Joaquin Phoenix’s mesmerizing performance as Arthur Fleck, the man who becomes Gotham’s most infamous villain. Directed by Todd Phillips, this film explores mental illness, societal neglect, and the violence that can erupt from alienation.


Phoenix delivers an extraordinary and deeply unsettling portrayal, bringing raw emotion and physicality to the role. His transformation, both psychological and physical, is the heart of the film and undoubtedly its strongest element. His performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, and it’s clear why: every grimace, laugh, and breakdown feels uncomfortably real. The supporting cast, including Robert De Niro as a talk-show host who plays a pivotal role in Arthur’s descent, also delivers solid performances, but Phoenix is the undeniable center of this cinematic storm.


While the acting is top-notch, the story itself feels overly familiar. Joker borrows heavily from earlier films like Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, with its narrative of a disillusioned man pushed to the brink by society. The plot points, though engaging, don’t offer much that we haven’t seen before in films about broken antiheroes. It’s a rehash of classic themes of revenge and madness, which can make the storyline feel cliché at times.


That said, Joker’s success is undeniable. Before the recent box office successes of Deadpool and Wolverine, Joker was the highest-earning R-rated film of all time, and it’s a distinction well-deserved. The film’s dark, gritty aesthetic, paired with its powerful performances, creates a gripping, if unsettling, viewing experience.


If you haven’t seen Joker yet, it’s certainly worth watching, especially with the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, coming out this month. Despite its familiar story, the performances and direction elevate this movie beyond standard fare, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven drama.

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