Ever since childhood was fascinated by super hero’s and their origins stories. I was blessed to born in an era ie 90’s when in India shows like X-Men, Wonder Women, He-Man , Swat cats, Centurion, Gi-Joes, Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Justice League and Avenger came alive on our television. I am one of the few individual who loved to read comics and watch Television show / Movies of both the of DC and Marvel universes. Many have questioned me how can you like both DC and Marvel universe but I was always say that you can as at the end of the day the message is the same Good victory over the evil.
Batman is one of the most beloved character amongst the comic lovers and one of the major factor being he does not have any super powers but through his aura strikes fear in his enemies. Batman universe is very believable and has gone through a lot of ordeal but still manages to stay positive and become a symbol by protecting his city, Gotham with sheer grit and determination.
Also if you look closely all of Batman Villains represent the human psyche for example Joker is chaos, poison ivy is lust, penguin is bureaucratic corruption, RIDDLER is obsessive compulsive narcissist to name a few.
Recently the world got to get insight into the origin Story of the ‘Joker’ in the big screen on the 2nd October and became the fourth largest opening ever for an R-rated feature. The movie was the #1 movie in the domestic and overseas market, earning $234 million at the box office. The Warner Bros. DC Comics adaptation Joker is a Psychological thriller which is being helmed by Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix is essaying the role of the Joker.
The movie was one of the most anticipated movie of 2019 and movie doesn’t disappoint the fans. Through the movie we get to know initial life of joker and how because ill-fated situations, any well-balanced person can turn into a crazy psychopath. The film takes us back to the early 80’s in Gotham City and closely follows the life of Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), who is a happy soul and is considered an outcast because of a health condition that makes him laugh reluctantly. He shared his apartment with his bedridden mother (Frances Conroy), Arthur struggles to make a living as a part-time clown.
His dream is to become a successful stand up comedian and is inspired by Late-night television show idol, Murray Franklin which is essayed by the legendary actor Robert De Niro. But nothing is going as planned and his own mother doesn’t have faith in his movie, who says, “Don’t you have to be funny to be a comedian? -. Soon Arthur’s life starts to spiral out of control, and his alter ego starts taking control.
During the two hour narrative the audience are glued to their seat besides the deeply disturbed and damaged man is oversensitive. The movie music mazing sound design, Hildur Gudnadottir’s soulful background score and powerful music pieces. Also the highlight of the movie is the last monologue when and when Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro) and Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) come face to face and quoted saying that, “I used to think my life was a tragedy. But now I realise, it’s a comedy.”
Phoenix did a fabulous job and delivering the chilling kind of performance which was required for the role. He has nailed the mannerisms of the character by giving masterful performance that the film is seeing such commercial success.
He ensures that you identify with the character as he turns into a homicidal maniac. He is supported by impressive star cast such De Niro as the talk show host, Conroy as Arthur’s mother and Beetz as his love interest. Though these actors are in one-dimensional roles, they make their presence felt.
Joaquin Phoenix’s gives perfect homage to Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning role, while putting his own spin on an origin story that casts Joker. He brings to life jounrey to Arthur Fleck, as the kind of brooding loner who only garners attention via a link to tragedy. Give Phoenix an Oscar for that acting performance!
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