The stars finally aligned and I was able to see Joker this week. Throughout the entire movie my heart was pounding, and I was on the edge of my seat. It touches heavily on mental illness, and my mind couldn’t help but think about all of the real people that the system has failed. That is why I think, even if this isn’t your typical type of movie, you should see it. Everyone should see it.
Not A Typical Comic Book Movie
If you paid close attention (or any attention at all) to the trailers, then you know Joker is not a typical comic book film. In fact, it is far from it. We don’t see the villain taking on the good guy, and threatening to bring down society. Well, not really. What we see is a mental ill man who has had nothing but bad luck. The city cuts funding for his social worker and medication, and he is left to battle his demons alone.
That, coupled with the fact that so many people are just downright awful to him, and things take a turn for the worse. As Arthur says, “What do you get when you cross a mentally ill loner with a society that abandons him and treats him like trash? — You get what you deserve.” (click here for more powerful Joker quotes about mental illness).
What Would You Do?
And he isn’t wrong. Society has failed many people. The government has failed many people. If you see someone who is clearly struggling, do you stop to see if they are OK, or do you cross the street to avoid them? Sure, you might not feel safe. And you might be afraid of them hurting you. But if everyone feels like that, how are they going to get the help they need? How are they going to get better? They won’t. And that is the depressing truth of the world we live in.
Will This Version Of The DC Universe Continue On?
It has already been confirmed that this is version of Joker is not a part of the current DC Universe. However, we do see Bruce Wayne — and we see him get a full on shove in to becoming Batman. We also see Arthur rally a LOT of other clowns, and people behind him. Which is the start of the making of a fantastic villain. The Joker’s origin story for this one? Society let him down. You can’t get much darker than that. I would love to see this film spark a new DC Universe. And I think it would be important for everyone to watch them, if they continue down the same path.
Overall Thoughts
I absolutely loved this movie. My husband? Not so much. He enjoyed it, but said it was a bit slow. One thing we did agree on though is that it has a very important message about mental illness. And everyone should watch it. Maybe it will make people think twice about how they treat others — I know it has made me think. So even if this is not your type of movie, do me a favor and watch it. I don’t think you will regret it.
About Joker
Forever alone in a crowd, failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks connection as he walks the streets of Gotham City. Arthur wears two masks — the one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he’s part of the world around him. Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.
See Joker in theaters now!
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.
3 Comments
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This movie is only peripherally associated with the story in the comic books. It is, most certainly, an exposé on the enduring effects of childhood trauma.
Perhaps your husband would find “Shallow Hal” more entertaining with a little more pace.
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