Thursday 10 October 2019

Film: 'Joker'

Just coming up from having been laid low with flu (bucket-beside-bed situation, where one entire day was spent with no eating nor drinking at all, only rising to feed the pussies) - and this was just 16 days after having had my annual flu jab, so don't anyone tell me that this was mere 'coincidence', I ventured out to catch this must-see feature. 
It's courted controversy in that there is significant violence, much of it gun-related, though hardly much more than is seen in your average crime thriller. Also it meant visiting the particular screen where I haven't been since seeing there what is surely going to turn out to have been the most discomfiting film of my entire life - 'Midsommar' - which has invaded my mind for each and every day since I saw it three months ago - and, of course, I was sitting today in my very same regular seat. So all in all, not the ideal venue to have gone to in a still queasy state. 

'Joker' wasn't even slightly the film I was expecting, involving the fleshing out in some detail of the background story to the villain who was to become one of Batman's arch-nemeses. Apart from a couple of mentions of Gotham City and none at all of Batman himself who, presumably, was yet to arrive on the scene as saviour, it might as well have been anywhere. Despite the name he adopts there is nothing amusing in the film from beginning to end, being solidily dark.
Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) takes the title role with abundant flair, a professional, public clown in painted face and traditional outsize costume, first seen gyrating to music on the busy streets in order to attract attention to a certain store, during which he is set upon by a group of youths. It seems that this is just a routine part of his life, though other aspects are not so usual, in particular a 'condition' he has of letting out a piercing laugh at the most inappropriate moments. Once in the studio audience for a televising of a regular talk show hosted by Murray Franklin (Robert de Niro), his laugh attracts the attention of the host who calls him onto the stage, which gives him a taste of celebrity status, for which he soon craves more. Meanwhile, living alone with his aged and ailing mother (Frances Conroy) he embarks upon a romantically-inclined friendship with a near-neighbour (Zazie Beetz) in the same apartment block. 
There are violent scenes and killings throughout, some forewarned, others not, yet the film manages to still make the title character one might have sympathy for - though if that is there it certainly wears thin or vanishes completely by the time the final half-hour comes round.

Praise has been forthcoming for the brooding, menacing background music of the Icelandic Hildur Guonadottir and I endorse it fully. 

Director and co-writer Todd Phillips has best been known up to now for his three 'Hangover' films, none of which I saw, but I have little doubt that with 'Joker' he's reached his zenith, at least for now, though I hope he manages to go onto even greater accomplishments.

I'd find it hard to fault this film in any respect really - except that, at just over two hours in length, it does tend to show what a heavyweight it is, with no relief - and when was the last time that Joaquin Phoenix did not deliver an exceptional performance? I can't remember.   

It's a film of considerable depth. If you go by first erasing all thoughts of Batman, I'm pretty sure you'll find it a rich and rewarding experience.......7.5.

(IMDb...........9.0 - Rott.Toms...........4.5/5 )

14 comments:

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    1. Wishing you better luck than I had, W.Q. In recent Winters although I've always had my jab I have been getting flu but only late in the season. I'm of course aware that the shot is to give you some of what could attack you later, but as far as I can recall this is the first time I've succumbed by going under with what is supposed to protect one. As I say, better luck with yours.

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  2. This is too bleak for me
    Just got back from Judy, and I agree with your review completely

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    1. 'Bleak' is the perfect word, JayGee, and with NO respite. It's a tough watch no doubt, but also profound and thought'provoking. A well-crafted film but requiring a high level of tolerance for the audience.

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  3. I want to see this, but Carlos has no interest at all ...I see a day out alone??

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    1. It'd be likely to meet all Carlos' worst expectations, Bob, so I'm sure it would avoid a tense aftermath between the both of you if he stayed at home.

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  4. I would like to see this, so I am pleased to read your glowing review...and I adore Francis Conroy. And Joaquin is a pretty phenomenal performer, I agree. Now Midsmommar….I just saw this pop up on my On Demand. I will have to search out your review of this. It must have been unsettling?

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    1. 'Midsommar' unsettling, M.M.? Oh boy, you can say that again! With others it may not press the same sensitive buttons it did for me - but how I wish I'd never seen the darned thing. I'm living with mental damage now!

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    2. Yes, it is indeed on my On Demand so I may watch that tonight, or wait till tomorrow. Here on my public station they run a show called Vera followed by Midsomer Murders, both of which I enjoy.

      I sure hope your feeling slightly better form the flu shots?

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    3. I really want to warn you off seeing 'Midsommar', M.M. but that would only be because I think you may have the same reaction as I did, and you may not, being able to dismiss it and then forget about it. I only hope that that's what will happen.

      Both 'Vera' and 'Midsomer Murders' have been well established progs here for some years now, though I've never seen a single episode of either of them.

      Still feeling grotty from the flu bout. At least I'm out of bed now and moving about - slowly. Thanks for asking.

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  5. Just popped in to wish you a Happy Birthday dear Ray-of-the-Beard!

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    1. Ta muchly, Mitch. Actual date is next Tues - not that that day's going to be in any way different or 'special', but it'll help if by then this wretched flu's said "Bye bye!"

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  6. Heck no I don't want to be shot at the cinema.

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    1. Not quite sure what you're referring to, Dr Spo - perhaps something that's happened in an American cinema which I've missed? But it's definitely the case that 'Joker' will NOT be everyone's cup of char.

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