Now Watching: Joker

Joker was a welcome change of pace compared to other DC films or just comic book films in general. It’s a standalone (or should be) character study of the Joker, or rather, the man who would become the Joker. Set in 1981 it stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, an aspiring stand-up comedian living in Gotham City.

Joker, compared to so many other comic book movies, is relatively low budget – there’s no CGI monsters, epic space battles, or superhuman stunts. Despite the comic book origins, Joker is a film grounded firmly in reality. Touching upon themes of mental health, child abuse and cultural decay, Joker isn’t like most modern comic book films.

That said, I certainly don’t think it’s perfect and I don’t think I enjoyed it quite as much as I know many people did. My main criticism is the length – too many scenes linger or drag in ways that feel wholly self-indulgent. Joker needed a firmer hand in the editing suite in order to trim and tidy the narrative into a more compelling and appropriately paced experience.

It also needed to end sooner than it did – Joker is one of those films that just doesn’t seem to want to end. It reaches a moment that feels like a perfect conclusion . . . but then it just keeps going. And then it hits what feels like another perfect place to stop . . . but goes on for yet another scene. Like I said, it can feel self-indulgent. Less is sometimes more, and I think Joker would have benefited by a heavier edit and a shorter running time.

And honestly, there’s nothing really that special about Joker as far as the narrative goes. What makes Joker worth watching is Joaquin Phoenix. His performance is what drives everything and keeps you engaged. That said, I really don’t need to see a sequel to Joker and I hope that, despite its success, DC don’t make the mistake of attempting to construct a new ‘cinematic universe’ based upon this film and the character of Arthur Fleck. Just leave it alone, DC. It’s fine. Let it be.

6/10