Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) leads a precarious existence, working as a clown with limited success. His aspirations as a stand-up comedian are similarly met with disappointment. Living at home with his mother, he is gaunt and frequently subjected to ridicule and abuse. Following an assault, a coworker provides him with a revolver, setting him on an unforeseen and transformative trajectory.
Joker is a film that, on paper, presents a considerable challenge. Director and screenwriter Todd Phillips, primarily known for comedies such as Due Date and the Hangover films, ventures into dramatic territory. His success in delivering arguably DC Comics‘ finest film to date is a remarkable achievement. Joker possesses the narrative strength to stand independently, even without its connections to Gotham and the Batman universe.
Throughout the viewing experience, the anticipation of an inevitable weak scene was present. However, Joker defied this expectation. Every scene contributes meaningfully to the narrative, culminating in a climactic meeting between Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker and Robert De Niro’s talk show host, creating palpable tension.
Joaquin Phoenix’s status as one of the preeminent actors of this generation is firmly established, and in this film, he delivers a performance of exceptional brilliance. His physical transformation, involving a 28-kilogram weight loss, coupled with his unsettlingly authentic laugh, demonstrates complete immersion in the tragic character of Arthur Fleck. The film’s realistic and gritty tone contrasts sharply with the CGI-heavy productions that have characterized DC Comics‘ recent output. This realism is so effective that the mentions of Gotham and the appearance of the Wayne family momentarily disrupt the immersive experience.
Are there any shortcomings? While minimal, the brief encounter between the Joker and a young Bruce Wayne feels somewhat incongruous. The Joker’s intrusive gesture of placing his fingers in the young boy’s mouth seems unlikely to elicit the observed lack of reaction from the future Batman, creating a slightly jarring moment.
The Joker’s origins have traditionally been shrouded in ambiguity, with various interpretations, often involving a fall into acid that results in permanent disfigurement. In Joker, Arthur Fleck’s scars are primarily emotional rather than physical. This portrayal represents, arguably, the most compelling origin story of the Joker to date. While Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Hamill’s renditions of the character are iconic, Phoenix delivers a performance that warrants serious consideration alongside them.
The Ultra HD edition presents a visually stunning picture that effectively showcases the cinematography. While director Todd Phillips initially intended to film on traditional film stock, budgetary constraints necessitated the use of an Arri Alexa. However, cinematographer Lawrence Sher (Godzilla: King of Monsters) masterfully crafts a digital image with a distinctly cinematic quality. The 4K resolution, enhanced by HDR10, delivers a captivating viewing experience. The Dolby Atmos sound design is exceptionally clear and precise. Hildur Guðnadóttir’s (Chernobyl) evocative score is further enhanced by the high-resolution soundtrack. The supplementary material includes three brief and somewhat uninspired clips, as well as a more substantial and informative 22-minute documentary. The inclusion of a commentary track would have been a welcome addition.
In conclusion, Joker is a definitive film presented in a definitive edition, offering an exceptional viewing experience that warrants its status as a must-have. While it has taken time, DC Comics appears to be realizing its potential. With the release of Birds of Prey and the upcoming Batman film, the studio may have found a successful path forward in its rivalry with Marvel. Hopefully, future productions will maintain the same level of innovation and quality as this one.
