Crazy can be so captivating ..
Descent into chaos could be so devastatingly brutal ..
This is an origin story that is deeply affecting as it delves into the depths of a psyche of one of the most complex characters from the comics universe - Arthur Fleck aka Joker.
It might be natural for us - as the viewers - to empathise with the predicament of Arthur Fleck - a lonely, failing stand-up comedian - as he is pushed down a slippery slope of insanity through repeated assault of rejections. His sorry state of existence is brought to stark relief when we learn that something as benign and banal as laughter is accessible to him only through a medical condition.
However, if we dig a little deeper .. it becomes quite scary when we realise that this a neither remote nor an imperfect reflection of the times and climes that we inhabit. Director Todd Phillips might have set this movie in the early 80's. But, make no mistake... This is a movie for our times .. In fact, this is a commentary on our very own turbid times. A dire warning on the dehumanising influences that have engulfed us in the form of an irrepressible contagion of indifference towards "the others".
We, as a society, are unapologetically harsh on those faceless forgettables and indifferent to their sensibilities. Their needs and dreams are continuously crushed under our collective disdain and an ever rising tsunami tide of our insatiable wants. Consequently, the less fortunate majority are forced to flee and dwell on the very margins of our society as we continuously push them ever more further to the edges of their very existence and quite often, even beyond. The rousing finale gives us glimpses of what could be in store if the dispossessed decide to decry and dethrone the dispensation that denies them the chance of decent existence.
Joaquin Phoenix pours his heart and soul into the emaciated frame of Arthur Fleck and owns every speck of this character's crazy mind space that is a spectacularly chaotic mess. His is a phenomenal performance that captures the journey of Arthur's deep seated vulnerability, inner angst, earnest yearning for acceptance, agony in the face of repeated rejections, frustration at his failures and humiliations, sudden eruptions of bloody violence all the way into the finale of uncontrollable chaos. This is a performance that is in the realm of pure artistry and every bit award worthy. The sombre score and the dark hued framing magnify the melancholy mood that permeates the movie.
A little over a decade ago, Heath Ledger had totally owned this part as a formidable adversary to the batman in The Dark Knight and elevated that movie to stratospheric heights. In the process, he earned a well deserved Oscar and left a permanent imprint on our minds. To aspire going beyond that stupendous performance and redefining Joker is an audacious endeavour - an adventure in itself. And, after watching Joker, one would concede that director Todd Phillips and his leading man have succeeded to pull off this unlikely feat - a true mission impossible in the realm of cinema - and to add to that, have done it with aplomb and gusto.
If The Revenant was the physically taxing penance of Leonardo DiCaprio which brought him awards glory, Joker is Joaquin's deep meditation on exploring the rapidly unravelling universe of Arthur Fleck's messed up mind and is certain to fill his trophies chest.
The beleaguered DCU and WB have another winner here that has been forged in the darkest of realms. The scenes where Arthur comes across the Waynes - both senior and junior - are loaded with intrigue, pregnant with possibilities that could herald healthy augurings for the reboot of the Batman franchise. If only they could flesh out a worthy caped crusader to take on this Joker, it would be a delectable entertainment. Amen.
Joker is utterly dark and is unquestionably disturbing .. Nevertheless, it is an engrossing watch that grabs your attention with a brilliant performance and holds an unflinching mirror to all of us to reflect upon.
A DARK TOUR DE FORCE ! A TRIUMPH !!
RATING - 4/5
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