Quite easily Joaquin Phoenix' as The Joker, is the highlight, in this movie, which can be one's favourite, or otherwise, depending on how much one takes to super-hero influenced psychological thrillers. For some, who are particular about excesses, the movie can be a mixed bag. Clearly, this is more than an average movie of that type- that I grant. For example, I watched Black Panther for the sake of my kids a few years back, and I was not in awe. Coming back to The Joker, while conceding it has its highs, the premise that Gotham city has declined to such a state, where "kill the rich" becomes a popular slogan suits a creation from comic roots - this, hung on to me like sore thumb. So while, appreciating the gradual lapse of Arthur Fleck to an insanity, due to being a victim of parental abuse, and due to the apathy of a rotting capitalist system - ( the symbolic use of garbage not being collected due to a labour strike was good, I felt ) - the "excesses" as it were, including the slot that Arthur gets in Murray's show, didn't impress me. I am afraid that my capacity of treating super-hero/comic creations is at askance here. In fact I disagree about its nomination as the best movie at last year's Oscars. Joaquin's award is another matter.
Having said that, the similarity to "The Taxi Driver" ( I need to watch "King of Comedy), combined with the stellar acting of Joaquin Phoenix makes it a worthy watch. The Taxi Driver himself, Robert de Niro's role could've been filled by any other good actor, I felt - nothing special there.
My Rating: ***1/2
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