Image source: Imdb
I know you're all probably sick and tired of countless Joker reviews, but I couldn't resist to hop on to the crazy train myself. I watched the movie about three weeks ago and I'm finally ready to give you my thoughts on it. So, here we go!
Joaquin Phoenix
There is an endless debate going on each time a new actor gets to portray the Joker in the movie and the question is always the same: "Is he a good fit for the role?" We have Jack Nicholson, Mark Hamill and Heath Ledger, all people who set really high standards for someone to reach and that's why I want to start this review with talking about Joaquin Phoenix.
I'm not really a fan of scaling someone's performance on a 1 to 10 because I generally think there are too many factors to be taken into consideration and also that I'm not a worthy person to judge all of them. That being said, I have to notice that Joaquin's performance was truly exceptional and refreshing. A lot of people tend to say: "Nobody can beat Ledger, he will always be the best Joker!" I disagree. The point isn't about who is better than who, but rather how the actor played the particular Joker the movie is about. While Ledger did an outstanding job at portraying a crazy anarchist whose main goal is testing humanity and the Batman himself, Joaquin's Joker was very, very different. As the director himself said, this movie isn't in any way connected to the rest of DC and Batman comics, it's just a standalone flick about Joker's past. This particular role required a specific set of skill and Joaquin delivered 100%. The way he behaves as a person with severe mental disorders is mind-blowing (pun intended for those who have seen the film). So to conclude this topic I must say, Joaquin Phoenix was a tremendous and absolute best pick for this role that I can think of and I'm very satisfied with how things have turned out!
Moving on...
The script
The Joker's insanity reaching it's peak has been shown step by step in a very slow manner throughout the movie. And I do mean VERY slow. The movie is 2 hours and 2 minutes long and I have bad new for all of you who expect to see lots of brutality the Joker is usually capable of, you will be relieved of that pleasure. Other than 2 major scenes where he really loses his shit there isn't anything like that, at all. This isn't a story about brutality and murder, it's a story about a persons mental state, his battles in life and the effects a terrible society can have on an unstable person. Be prepared to go down a very dark road when starting this film. More than half the time you will be left wondering: "Is the homicidal maniac really the bad guy in here?"
I admire the way the story was written, the details that were so carefully nurtured and pointed out, it's simply amazing. Although it is a long time to sit and watch, the movie definitely DOESN'T get boring, not for a second. Sure, some scenes feel like they last too long, but that's exactly the bloody point! Nobody goes insane in a matter of minutes!
Costumography
I'll say a few short sentences of praise for the hair and make-up crew of the movie as well. They did an amazing job. Nothing over the top like it happened in Jared Leto's case, I mean that Joker looked more like a joke himself! No, this crew had a terrific part in dressing up and enhancing Joker's insanity.
Conclusion
Although this was a brief review, I've said everything I wanted and made my point. I highly recommend everyone to see the film when they get the chance. It's a well written dark psychological thriller that will teach you a thing or two about why you shouldn't poke someone who is already at the edge of a breakdown. Best case scenario nothing happens, worst case, you'll probably end up with a bullet in your head. HA HA HA!
But seriously, I really have nothing bad to say about the movie, it's amazing! If you've seen it already tell me if you agree or not down bellow in the comments. 'Till next time!