Joker: Is Joaquin Phoenix's performance Oscar winning? [Spoiler Alert]

Joker was released on October 2, 2019 in the Indian theatres. The two-hour movie is directed and co-written by Todd Phillips with Scott Silver. The movie features legendary actor Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role of the immortal character of Joker. The cast also includes Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, and Frances Conroy. Joaquin Phoenix’s take on Joker surely reminded the audience of another classic film, The Machinist, that featured Christian Bale.

Also read: Joker Movie: Audience review, reactions on Twitter and social media

Joaquin Phoenix's Joker

Joker is a very uncomfortable movie to watch for many as it features gruesome violent scenes filled with bloodshed. The movie deals with the topic of mental health. Phoenix plays the character of Arthur Fleck, a man abandoned by society. Throughout the movie, Fleck is bullied and harassed. Fleck is seen taking counselling for the psychological issues that are a result of childhood trauma and depression. Half of the events of the movie take place inside Fleck’s head and the audience is left to wonder what part is the reality. Joaquin Phoenix's take on the character is a highly realistic portrayal of the character of Joker, a guy who suffers from a range of mental disorders.

Also read: Joker: Does the DC comic book film have a post-credits scene?

Most of the murders committed by the Joker-in-progress are not shown but are hinted at and teased upon. Fleck’s mental health keeps on degrading throughout the movie until the audience gets to see the character of Zazie Beetz. The two instantly hit it off and fans get to see Arthur Fleck really happy for the first time in the movie. But this happiness is short-lived as in one scene it is revealed that the entirety of their relationship is a part of Fleck’s imagination. Joaquin Phoenix efficiently takes the audience on an emotional ride throughout the movie.  

In the movie, Phoenix delivers a spine chilling dialogue, talking about his own mental health – “all I have is negative thoughts” and adds how the society does not want to hear him out. Fleck is a highly disturbed individual and the audience starts to empathise with the character, as he is a good guy stereotype, always stepped upon by others. The city is suffering and everyone in the city is being affected by it. In the end, Phoenix becomes the voice of the ‘little guy’ and an icon against the hypocrisy of the society which was established in the first place for the benefit of every individual collectively.  At the end of the movie, Fleck becomes the face of the revolution that throws the city into chaos which would set in motion the events that make Bruce Wayne the Batman the fans know him today. Fans feel a deep empathy to Phoenix’s Joker interpretation and are left to wonder if his actions in the movie are justified or not.

Also read: Didn't imagine smooth sailing for 'Joker', says Joaquin Phoenix

The character of Joker from the comics is very twisted and dark, and fans feel that Joaquin Phoenix gives justice to the character. Phoenix fans feel that Phoenix's character of Joker is indeed in the league with the Joker portrayal of Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson. Fans all over the internet feel that Fleck’s unusual character has an equally unusual “condition” which is a great way to introduce the hysterical laughter of Joker that induces fear in the hearts of the viewers. The movie received a highly positive reaction on the internet. 

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