Arthur
Fleck (Phoenix) is a wannabe standup comedian who toils his menial life as a clown
for hire and tending to his frail mother in 1980s Gotham City. Living with a
condition where he spontaneously laughs uncontrollably, and relying on the
meager resources of social services and a system that lets him down, he has one
last chance at redemption that culminates in a fateful appearance on The Murray
Franklin Show (modelled after The Tonight
Show with Johnny Carson).
The
film touches upon Arthur’s mental illness in the real world as it depicts his fascination
with death and hallucinations. He
empowers himself through his alter ego and becomes a mysterious avenger who
unwittingly galvanizes a movement among a faceless, urban population.
Phoenix (Oscar
worthy) is a revelation as Arthur (losing significant weight), a tragic victim
of a cruel, immoral world whose descent into madness and rage erupts in
startling violence.
It’s a scary role that a younger Robert DeNiro (who excels as Franklin) could have
taken.
With
surprising twists and Easter eggs, the film’s DNA ties to Taxi Driver, The King of
Comedy, Network, and Death Wish, with its incendiary climax (akin
to The Day of the Locust) and ominous
ending. The soundtrack is embellished with pop standards, and the film’s muted
color scheme adds to the mood.
Audiences will be
divided about the merits or value of this film; there is no middle ground. Yet there is no doubt that
Phoenix has delivered a knockout.
***1/2 of **** stars (for Phoenix fans)
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