The Joker: A New Look at a Psychotic Villain

Most know the Joker as the villain in the Batman DC comics and movies, but none of us know how the Joker came to be the psychotic villain he is. 

On Oct. 4 The Joker was released in theaters nation wide. Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, is a party clown who aspires to be a stand up comedian. He lives with his mother, Penny Fleck, in a small beat up apartment in Gotham City. Arthur suffers from a condition of uncontrollable laughter. He’s a tall, skinny and mentally ill man and seems like an easy target to mess with.

Throughout his childhood Arthur suffers mental and physical abuse. He also suffers with people making fun of him, getting beat up by gangs, and constantly being rejected for his comedic acts. This causes him to become crazy. Arthur starts imagining an alternative reality and murdering people who betray him, which later contributes to him becoming the Joker. 

Phoenix should earn the Oscar for The Best Male Performance of the Year. He does an impeccable job developing into the psychopath we all know as the Joker. He makes you feel the pain behind the Joker’s cruelty, almost making you feel sorry for him. It’s a brutal, terrifying, disgusting, and an unforgettable movie. 

Todd Phillips, the director, took risks by exploiting many of society’s problems, but the Joker is a messed-up man and Phillips showed us exactly why.  

I personally found it hard to take my eyes off the screen. The Joker will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

The Joker digs deep into mental illness and a whole lot of disgusting violence. If you’re not someone who prefers these subjects, then this movie is not for you. But if you like a jaw-dropping, seat-gripping movie that keeps you on edge the whole time, The Joker is for you. You’ll develop a stronger connection towards the Joker, and it will be a movie you won’t forget.