Joker (2019)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Joker is a psychological thriller directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill, aspiring stand-up comedian who descends into insanity and becomes the notorious criminal known as the Joker. The film is set in Gotham City during the early 1980s, a city plagued by crime, economic hardship, and social unrest.

Arthur Fleck’s Struggles

Arthur Fleck is a clown-for-hire who lives with his ailing mother, Penny (Frances Conroy). He suffers from a neurological disorder that causes him to laugh uncontrollably at inappropriate times. Arthur’s life is fraught with hardships: he is assaulted by street thugs, ridiculed at work, and ignored by society. He regularly visits a social worker for medication and counseling, but funding cuts end these services.

The Catalyst: Murray Franklin Show

Arthur idolizes talk show host Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro) and dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. However, his first attempt at stand-up is disastrous, and a video of his performance is mocked on Murray’s show. This public humiliation, coupled with Arthur’s mounting frustrations and isolation, contributes to his mental breakdown.

The Subway Incident

Arthur’s life takes a darker turn when he is harassed by three drunken businessmen on a subway. He shoots them in self-defense and then kills the third as he attempts to flee. The incident is widely publicized, and the unidentified killer is hailed as a hero by segments of Gotham’s disaffected population, sparking anti-rich protests.

Arthur’s Transformation

As Arthur’s mental state deteriorates, he learns that Penny, who claimed Thomas Wayne (Brett Cullen) is Arthur’s father, had delusional fantasies and that he was adopted and abused as a child. This revelation shatters Arthur’s already fragile psyche. He confronts Thomas Wayne and later discovers that his mother lied about his origins.

Final Descent: The Murray Franklin Show

Invited to appear on Murray Franklin’s show, Arthur plans to make a grand statement. He dons a full clown costume and adopts the Joker persona. On the live broadcast, he confesses to the subway murders and launches into a tirade against society’s mistreatment of the mentally ill. He then shoots Murray Franklin on live television, inciting chaos and riots throughout Gotham.

The Climax and Conclusion

During the riots, Arthur is arrested but is freed by his followers. In the film’s closing scenes, Arthur is seen in Arkham State Hospital, where he escapes after presumably killing his therapist. The final scene shows Arthur running through the hospital’s corridors, leaving bloody footprints, symbolizing his complete transformation into the Joker.

Movie Ending

The film ends with Arthur fully embracing his Joker persona, having incited chaos and anarchy in Gotham City. The ambiguity of the final scenes leaves viewers questioning the reliability of Arthur’s perspective and the nature of his reality.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Joker.

Type of Movie

Joker is a psychological thriller and drama that explores themes of mental illness, societal neglect, and the origins of one of the most iconic villains in comic book history.

Cast

Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker
Robert De Niro as Murray Franklin
Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond
Frances Conroy as Penny Fleck
Brett Cullen as Thomas Wayne
Shea Whigham as Detective Burke
Bill Camp as Detective Garrity

Film Music and Composer

Hildur Guðnadóttir composed the film’s score, earning widespread praise for her haunting and evocative music, which won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Filming Locations

Joker was primarily filmed in New York City, with notable locations including:

The Bronx: For the iconic staircase dance scene.
Brooklyn: Various street scenes and exterior shots.
Newark, New Jersey: For several Gotham City settings.

Awards and Nominations

Joker received numerous prestigious awards, including:

Academy Awards: Won Best Actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and Best Original Score. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.
Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Joaquin Phoenix) and Best Original Score.
BAFTA Awards: Won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Joaquin Phoenix) and Best Original Score.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Joaquin Phoenix lost a significant amount of weight for the role, contributing to his emaciated and tormented appearance.
The film drew inspiration from Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, both of which also star Robert De Niro.
The decision to create a standalone film not connected to the broader DC Extended Universe allowed for a more character-driven narrative.

Inspirations and References

The film draws heavily from classic Scorsese films and aims to provide a realistic portrayal of the Joker’s origin, focusing on the societal and psychological factors that contribute to his transformation.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut closely follows Todd Phillips’ vision, though some deleted scenes and alternate takes are available in special editions, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While the film is based on DC Comics characters, it takes significant creative liberties to create a standalone narrative. Various books and graphic novels explore similar themes and storylines but differ in execution and details.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Arthur’s confrontation with Thomas Wayne in the bathroom.
The subway shooting that catalyzes his transformation.
The live television interview where Arthur reveals his Joker persona and kills Murray Franklin.
The final scenes in Arkham State Hospital, leaving viewers with an ambiguous ending.

Iconic Quotes

“Is it just me, or is it getting crazier out there?” – Arthur Fleck
“I used to think that my life was a tragedy, but now I realize, it’s a comedy.” – Arthur Fleck
“You wouldn’t get it.” – Arthur Fleck

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film includes several references to classic Joker comics and previous portrayals, such as the “Red Hood” storyline.
The film frequently highlights the number 180, symbolizing a complete reversal, which mirrors Arthur’s transformation.

Trivia

The film’s budget was around $55 million, and it grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.
Joaquin Phoenix’s performance received universal acclaim, earning him numerous awards and solidifying his portrayal as one of the definitive versions of the Joker.
The staircase dance scene has become iconic, with the location becoming a popular tourist spot.

Why Watch?

Joker is a thought-provoking and intense character study that offers a new perspective on one of the most infamous villains in popular culture. Its powerful performances, particularly by Joaquin Phoenix, and its exploration of relevant social issues make it a must-watch film.

Director’s Other Movies

Todd Phillips also directed:

The Hangover (2009)
War Dogs (2016)
Due Date (2010)
Old School (2003)

Recommended Films for Fans

Joker remains a significant cultural touchstone, providing a dark and compelling exploration of one of cinema’s most complex characters. Its impact and critical acclaim underscore its place as a modern classic.