The buzz around Joker has grown into a powerful hum, one that took the world by storm. With every day, the worries I had for Joker faded more and more. I did the best I did to keep my expectations in check, but in the end, I had my hype rewarded. Joker is a movie simultaneously geared to the general audience and hardcore fans, and it sticks its landing beautifully.

It’s no secret that I have a bit of a Joker obsession. Not in the same way that someone might go online and profess themselves to be the Clown Prince himself to be edgy, but I am a huge fan of the character, and love reading about and watching him in each incarnation he’s in. I’m even one of those who would gladly see new life breathed into Jared Leto’s interpretation of the character. So, it should be no shock that I’ve been anticipating this film since it was first whispered about.

I went into the movie, after all the news the public had received, expecting a good character study flavored with a character I love. I didn’t actually expect the essence of character to be so brilliantly translated to the screen. When Arthur Fleck comes into his own, he is the Joker. His mannerisms and delivery are on point, and I am happy to say if you are a fan of the character like me, you won’t be left wanting more.

As for the movie itself, it is expertly crafted. The story isn’t just told– it happens to you, and in the best way possible. While Arthur Fleck is painfully alone, the audience is right there with him. Everything that is done to Arthur is done to us, and when Arthur snaps and does something himself… you feel the sting of guilt for ever feeling sorry for him. It rides that line until you can no longer feel kinship with Arthur, because Arthur is gone. It’s brilliant, and gut-wrenching. 

As well, Joker has so many shots laced with subtlety, with great, unspoken symbolism. Arthur Fleck and Bruce Wayne, opposite sides of a fence, wearing the same color pallete. Slowly trudging up the staircase vs. happily dancing downward. It shows you exactly what you want it to feel, and it works. It works perfectly. 

There are those worried about this movie’s affect on the public, that it will inspire violence. What I can say is, it is abundantly obvious that Arthur is the villain of this movie. The violence in this film is gruesome, some of the most jarring and real I’ve ever seen– it does not feel good to watch in the slightest. While aspects of his character are sympathetic, the message of the movie is very evidently not, “Go out and kill people,” but rather, “be kind to those less fortunate.” Yes, that message is laced with the dark consequences of Arthur, but in no means does the movie justify or encourage violent acts taken in the real world, and to say it does is either uninformed or dishonest. 

This movie deserves to be seen, and for what it is. Go in with as open and steeled a mind as possible, and enjoy the chaotic ride. This movie is for everyone, and it is worthy of the immense hype around it. 

Thank you for reading! If you want to be notified of when the next Netflix Dumpster Dive comes out, feel free to follow the site, and you can also follow me on Twitter. I published my new fantasy book in July of 2018, and it’d mean the world if you’d check it out, and if it’s not your cup of tea, share it with someone who might like it. Thanks again, and I hope to see you here next time.

-Vincent

© 2019 Vincent C. Russo. All Rights Reserved. This post is intended for review and constitutes fair use. These films and any images used belong to their respective owners.