Cody's movie minute

Joker Review What do you get when you have the actor who played Johnny Cash, the director who made the Hangover movies, and a story about one of the most villainous clowns of all time? A masterpiece. Joker follows Joaquin Phoenix playing Arthur Fleck, a man who is slowly but surely beaten down by the society he lives in. As he descends into insanity, he begins his transformation into the iconic villainous clown: the Joker. While following a famous comic book character like the Joker, Joker is not to be confused with the other comic book movies of today’s day and age, such as The Avengers or Wonder Woman. Besides being called ‘Joker’, the movie has virtually no relation to the action-packed and lighthearted fun that those movies have. This film is a dark and disturbing look at one man’s journey into madness and becoming the infamous clown prince of crime, Joker. And I could not have loved it more. Easily the most incredible part of the film is Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as Arthur Fleck. In a world where Heath Ledger won an Oscar for playing the Joker in The Dark Knight in 2008, Phoenix still finds a way to put his own spin on the character. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won an Oscar this upcoming awards season for his phenomenal performance. Phoenix lost 50 pounds for this role. And it shows. His physique is gangly and almost not human. It adds a lot to his unsettling and crazy actions. His laugh is haunting and piercing, cutting through the air to bring a sense of dread and worry. Phoenix perfectly embodies this crazed lunatic and makes you relieved the film is a piece of fiction. Another stellar job done on Joker is that of its’ director, Todd Phillips. Previously the director of all three Hangover movies, known as some of the more popular comedies of the past 10 years, this film bears little to no resemblance to his past work. It feels as though it was made by Martin Scorsese, director of acclaimed films such as Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and Raging Bull. And that is high praise to be had. Phillips gives the film a gritty, dark and disturbing atmosphere that strikes right to your very core. There is also some controversy around Joker. Some people have fears that this film is something that will inspire violence, as its’ main character commits acts of violence. However, I feel this argument rather misinformed. While the focus of the film is the character of Arthur Fleck and later the Joker, his point of view is never one that is to be sided with. The movie is never trying to tell the audience that these things are good or acceptable. While you may feel some sense of sadness or empathy towards its’ main character, it never justifies his actions. Joker is an instant classic. This is an impeccable piece of filmmaking that will stand the test of time for years to come. It also may not be for everyone. If you’re looking for an action-packed thrill ride, you’ll be very disappointed. If you don’t feel comfortable seeing acts of violence that are a little more gruesome than most films depict, this film is not for you. The film is an acquired taste that isn’t for everybody. For those that are open to seeing this kind of story, however, it is undoubtedly a masterpiece. Cody's rating: 5 stars