Review: Joker & safety issues

One of the most anticipated films of the years hits theaters this weekend and people have more on their minds than just popcorn prices. A controversial film in the respect that its main character revels in insanity and chaos, Joker is set to deliver big box office among high emotions.

This comic book-esque story follows Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), a sad man with a sad life that is constantly berated and pushed around through life. Trying to put a happy face on, Arthur works as a clown for events and parties, while also taking free time to attempt a stand-up comedy career. Unfortunately, neither of these come to fruition as his mindset and a medical condition that has him laughing maniacally at inappropriate times holds him back.

Slowly starting to realize that the only one that can make him happy is himself, the persona of the Joker starts to emerge. Gaining notoriety associated with violence and mayhem only fuel the fire of his insanity. Arthur Fleck is starting to become someone who should be noted, and perhaps, feared.

This film is about the deconstruction of a man that tries to see the bright side of life, only to be horribly rained upon. His history and environment have shaped him with only a small ledge at the end to step off of. Arthur finds new life and power in violence and that comes across in strength thanks to the performance of Joaquin Phoenix.

Losing massive weight to play the role, we see a scarecrow of a man with ribs and other bones visible. Already someone that is known for intense characters, the bar was lifted to new heights with The Joker. Playing not a comic book character, but a new darker and twisted version shows the true range that Phoenix brings to a project. Which makes sense when you think about the fact that the last spotlighted Joker was played by Heath Ledger, a character enactment that also broke the mold. (Suicide Squad Joker was a footnote in screen time given compared to these two roles.)

This film will be different things to different people. Some will sing it’s acting and directorial praises, noting the photography and the raw emotion from Phoenix as he delivers a film that is close to a one-man show. Others will revel in the insanity and broodiness of the character. In the final category will be people looking for the comic book tie-in, the thread between this character and Batman. These people will have to search harder, but it’s there. Where that thread will be tugged upon by Warner Bros though, is another question.

I very much enjoyed this film. It was a character study that explored what led to the insanity and mayhem that created the Joker. Played beautifully by Phoenix, we get a glimpse into becoming something different and the opportunity to escape into madness for people with no way out or up.

Grade: A-
Running Time: 2h 1 min
MPAA Rating: R

Safety in watching this film:

Many people are worried about viewing this film opening weekend after event like Aurora. With that in mind, here are some tips and information.

• AMC Theaters – Is asking patrons not to come in masks or face paint to their theaters.
• Regal Cinemas – Regal gave this statement about safety.
  “At Regal, we do not believe the content or the existence of any movie is a cause or a signal for violence,” a spokesperson for Regal told TheWrap. “Nevertheless, although we do not comment on security protocols implemented by our theatres at any time, patron and employee safety is our foremost concern. In collaboration with NATO, we are in regular contact year-round with law enforcement so we have information to help make whatever security assessments they deem appropriate at all times.”
• If you are in towns that have cinemas with built in security like a casino, these would be safer options as there are many cameras and masks or face paint is not allowed.
• Please check with your local theater on their rules for this title, as some are not allowing bags into theaters during screenings.