Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Joker (2019)
A fantastic origin story of the Joker."Joker" (2019) is an utterly brilliant origin story of the infamous villain, unlike any other previously depicted. It is an exploration of what transformed this man into the embodiment of chaos and anarchy we've all come to associate with the Joker.
Unlike in The Dark Knight, where the Joker tantalizes us with a pair of intriguing yet completely inconsistent narratives about the genesis of his distinctive scars, "Joker" (2019) delves into the circumstances that led him down the path of criminality. It is a gripping study of a man's descent into madness and the society that pushes him to it.
The brilliance of this movie is further highlighted when compared to The Dark Knight. Instead of positioning Batman as a two-dimensional counterbalance to the Joker's heinous crimes, this film is set during the time when Bruce Wayne is merely a young boy, a far cry from the Dark Knight he is destined to become. This choice allows the narrative to maintain its focus on the Joker, thoroughly exploring his psyche and motivations without the distraction of a superhero antagonist.
In essence, "Joker" (2019) is not just an origin story. It's an utterly captivating prequel to the Batman trilogy, offering a fresh perspective on a character that has intrigued audiences for decades. It is a masterful piece of cinema, a riveting psychological exploration that leaves you questioning society's role in the creation of its own monsters.
- You are under the age of 17. This movie is rated R, which means it may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements.
- You're sensitive to graphic violence or disturbing themes as it has significant acts of violence including bloody images.
- You or someone in your party has a mental health condition that may be triggered by intense portrayal of mental illness.
- You're not interested in dark, heavier films because this one has a rather gloomy atmosphere.
- You prefer lighter, humorous superhero films. Joker has minimal humor and falls more on the drama/thriller side.
Fight Club (1999)
David Fincher's Fight Club is a cult classic that shares similar themes with Joker. It dives deep into the mind of its troubled protagonist, played masterfully by Edward Norton, as he navigates questions of identity, society's expectations, and personal disillusionment. Brad Pitt's character also offers a chaotic contrast, adding an intriguing dynamic in its exploration of mental health.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)Stanley Kubrick's controversial masterpiece, A Clockwork Orange is another fantastic movie to check out. It's based on Anthony Burgess's novel of the same name and presents a dystopian future. Its protagonist, Alex, is a charismatic yet disturbed character who may remind you of Arthur Fleck from Joker. Overall, it's a great pick for someone interested in dark, character-driven narratives.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)If you appreciated the focus on mental health in Joker, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a must-watch. Jack Nicholson delivers a powerful performance as R.P. McMurphy, a man who feigns insanity and is committed to a mental institution. It's an emotional and insightful look into mental health facilities and societal treatment of mental illnesses during the 1970s.
Taxi Driver (1976):Given you loved Joker, I'd recommend you see Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver. It's a classic psychological-thriller that greatly inspired Todd Phillips while creating Joker. Robert De Niro delivers an unforgettable performance as Travis Bickle, a war veteran grappling with his mental health in New York City's seedy underbelly. Like Joker, this movie explores themes of alienation and social descent.
Nightcrawler (2014):Nightcrawler, directed by Dan Gilroy, is an intense psychological thriller featuring Jake Gyllenhaal as Louis Bloom, an ambitious man who doesn't shy away from crossing moral boundaries to achieve success. Like Joker, this film presents a character study of a complex individual shaped by an unforgiving society.
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