The Gonger Reviews...Joker

Joker (2019)

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz (say her name out loud. You will not be disappointed) Frances Conroy.

Synopsis: Arthur just wants to bring joy into a cruel world that just wants to chew you up and spit you out. So society takes a bite, then another and another until the beast is revealed and the results are horrific.

Cinematography: The way the camera moves and how the light hits it reminds me of The French Connection (1971). So let’s get technical, it has a aspect ratio of 1.85:1 which, surprise surprise is the same aspect ratio of The French Connection. This is a standard of the late 60’s to early 70’s so Lawerence Sher was defiantly going for “the look.” The film looks just amazing and by going for this very grounded visual it just adds to the layers of tone. 2/2

Soundtrack: Hildur Guonadóttir score is the ticker to this time bomb of a flick. The music is used so well in this movie its unbelievable! I was at the edge of my seat the whole time and when that brooding unforgiving track set it self upon my ears I knew we where all doomed. This flick is scary! and the soundtrack was that atmosphere of terror that would not let go. 2/2

Directing: Haha... not such a funny flick coming from comedy alumni Todd Phillips who gave us The Hangover series. This flick is light years away from his comedies. His vision in this flick is daunting and challenging. Its the anti-comedy in a way I think. It doesn’t leave you with nice thoughts floating around your head, thats for sure. There is this fantastic tension created in each scene that reminds me of Us that came out from comedy master Jordan Peele. Whats with these funny guys coming out with these friggin wicked suspensors? Keep doing it! I love it! 2/2

Writing: “Well its not canon, and you just can’t do an origin story of the Joker because...” oh shut up! Yes it ain’t true to any of the books or other media but who gives a care! This flick is tremendous and has a loud voice. Its quite the controversy too, mainly because it challenges its audience. Its not a cute Spiderman or a feel good Black Panther. Its a raw look into the dark mirror of society. It shows us what we are truly afraid of about ourselves and that is uncomfortable. There is a strong message about how we treat the less fortunate and I know your reading this going “not me!” Well, when you look into that mirror darkly and you don’t like what you see...Just saying. Its one of the most powerful flicks of the year and its about a comic book clown. Thats impressive. 2/2

Acting: Phoenix is the best Joker hands down. Never have we seen the character portrayed like this and although I say its not totally canon the character is dead on! This flick needed a heavy hitting actor like Phoenix to take the funny out of the Joker and just show us the monster within. The Joker is chaos and Author is the man trying to bottle the beast but when society fails him he can not endure and the Joker takes over. Its a terrifying transformation and its all Phoenix. Its a performance that will truly take you aback and leave you breathless.

2/2

10/10 Well thats the first 10/10 this year! Well worth it too.

Al Stringer