Did I ever tell you how I got these scars?". The
Joker tells many different stories in The Dark Knight to reveal how psychotic
and deranged he really is. You never know, which of those stories is true and
reassure yourself that hopefully none of them are. When you watch this origin
movie though, its a chilling realization, that while the stories may still be
false, the scars are real.
Welcome to Todd Phillips' version of The Joker. He
isn't flashy, he isn't full of himself, he isn't the master planner..this isn't
the Joker that was immortalized by Heath Ledger. In fact, the Joker character
itself doesn't have a definite origin storyline and this one spins a yarn of
its own.
Even though its set in the fictional city of Gotham,
every bit of Joker feels real. His loneliness, his pathetic existence, the gulf
between him and society. The fact that there's no Batman makes the reality even
more stark. Its not about cops and robbers - there are no good guys. Just when
you feel things couldn't get worse and maybe this is a sadist's idea of humor,
there is relief - not the kind you'd expect, but relief nonetheless.
Its disappointing, relatively, that the Joker laugh is
put down as a condition. While it gives a plausibility to the storyline and
also Joaquin Phoenix much more room to perform, it feels like an escape and a
disservice to the iconic villain. Then there's the climax, which feels like a
wet blanket after all that build up. Thankfully, there's a shining moment post
that which more than redeems the character. There's also the whole societal
angle to it as well - there is no good that can come of making a movie like
Joker - it gives a Godlike status to a cold blooded killer, worships a
psychopath who means no good - to anybody.
But then there's also the direction and the
performance. Its hard to believe, that this is the same man who helmed the
hilarious The Hangover because there's not a single laughing moment in The
Joker, not even a chuckle, not even wry humor. Its stark irony that the
protagonist considers himself a stand up comedian. Todd Phillips keeps the
camera squarely focused on the protagonist and Joaquin Phoenix doesn't
disappoint.
Heath Ledger's Joker is one of the hardest acts to
follow. Anything would feel like a disservice. Yet, this Joker does come close.
Joaquin Phoenix gives his heart and soul to the character. His laugh due to his
condition, shows a thousand emotions every time and he pulls them off
perfectly. His rage, is believable - you feel for his condition. Even his
hunched back - is explained and apparent. And then, there's the transformation
- which takes things to another level.
Todd Phillips' Joker is not for everyone. Even as a
character, this isn't the Joker you saw in the Dark Knight. His reasons are
different, his motivations are different. But if you are willing to put that
aside, its a masterful act nonetheless.
P.S: The original title of this review was Joker..true
origins..but as a friend helped me realize, this isn't the story of the Joker
we met in the Dark Knight..hence, the new title.
