Joker Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sad clown gets mad because he can’t get his meds and starts a revolution because some rich guys were mean to him on the subway, also he may or may not be Batman’s brother.

🍿 Joker: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arthur’s Struggles

Arthur Fleck, a struggling party clown and aspiring comedian, grapples with mental illness and poverty while caring for his ailing mother in Gotham City. He endures constant mockery and societal neglect, making it difficult for him to find any semblance of happiness or stability. The film showcases his daily hardships and the lack of support systems available to him.

Descent into Madness

As Arthur faces repeated failures and mistreatment, his mental state deteriorates. He loses access to medication and becomes increasingly isolated. Key events, such as the subway incident where he kills three businessmen, push him further down a path of violence and chaos. These actions are a turning point in his transformation.

Embracing the Joker Persona

Arthur begins to embrace his darker side and crafts a clown-inspired persona. He confronts talk show host Murray Franklin, who previously mocked him, and uses his live broadcast to confess to the subway killings and to express his frustration with a society that has failed him. This culminates in a shocking act of violence, solidifying his transformation into the Joker.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix): A mentally ill, struggling clown and aspiring comedian whose descent into madness leads to him becoming the Joker.
• Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro): A popular talk show host who inadvertently mocks Arthur, contributing to his transformation into the Joker.
• Sophie Dumond (Zazie Beetz): Arthur’s neighbor and a single mother with whom he has a brief, ultimately imagined relationship.
• Penny Fleck (Frances Conroy): Arthur’s ailing mother who has a history of mental illness and delusion related to the Wayne family.
• Thomas Wayne (Brett Cullen): A wealthy businessman and mayoral candidate who is also the target of Arthur’s delusional beliefs about his parentage.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Arthur Fleck: “I used to think that my life was a tragedy, but now I realize, it’s a comedy.” – This quote encapsulates Arthur’s twisted perspective on his life as he embraces chaos.
• Arthur Fleck: “The worst part of having a mental illness is people expect you to behave as if you don’t.” – This quote highlights the social isolation and misunderstanding that Arthur experiences due to his mental health.
• Murray Franklin: “What do you get when you cross a mentally ill loner with a society that abandons him and treats him like trash? I’ll tell you what you get! You get what you f***ing deserve!” – This is a direct address to Murray and the audience before his final act.
• Arthur Fleck: “Is it just me, or is it getting crazier out there?” – This question serves as a commentary on the escalating chaos in both Arthur’s life and Gotham City.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $55,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $335,477,657
• Worldwide Gross: $1,078,958,629

💥 Joker Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, wow, where do I even begin? This movie was intense! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, feeling every bit of Arthur’s pain and frustration. Joaquin Phoenix was incredible; his performance was so raw and captivating. The way he shifted from a vulnerable, broken man to the chaotic Joker was mesmerizing, and the ending gave me chills. Definitely not a light watch, but it’s a film that will stick with me for a long time, made me think about things I wouldn’t normally and it also made me really uncomfortable which is impressive! I actually felt my heart beat faster during the talk show scene, what a wild ride!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark, psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in character studies”
  • “Those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema”
  • “People fascinated by the Joker character”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Disturbing content”
  • “Mental illness depiction”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Phoenix delivers a career-defining performance in this dark, disturbing, and unforgettable origin story of the Joker. It’s a descent into madness that’s as captivating as it is unsettling.
• The Guardian: “A powerful and unsettling film that delves into the mind of a broken man. Phoenix is mesmerizing, even when the narrative veers towards the overly familiar.
• Rolling Stone: “Joker is a searing portrait of a society in decay, with Phoenix delivering a raw and disturbing performance. It’s not just a comic book movie; it’s a vital and challenging piece of cinema.

Audience Reactions

Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is a tour-de-force, making the character both sympathetic and terrifying.: Most viewers were blown away by Joaquin Phoenix’s acting and the movie’s dark, gritty atmosphere.

The film’s exploration of mental illness and societal neglect resonated with many viewers.: Many people found the movie to be thought-provoking and a commentary on modern society, praising its daring portrayal of a flawed individual.

Overall Consensus: Joker is a dark and intense character study, praised for its outstanding lead performance and thought-provoking themes, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 2020
2. Academy Award (Best Original Score)- 2020
3. Golden Globe Award (Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama)- 2020
4. BAFTA Award (Best Actor in a Leading Role)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Joaquin Phoenix lost 52 pounds for the role, which he said affected his psychological state and helped him get into the character’s mindset.”
• “The film heavily draws inspiration from Martin Scorsese’s ‘Taxi Driver’ and ‘The King of Comedy,’ with director Todd Phillips citing them as major influences.”
• “The iconic ‘Joker stairs’ are located in The Bronx, New York, and have become a popular tourist spot after the movie’s release.”
• “The film uses a retro Warner Bros. logo from the 1970s, setting the story in a time before Batman’s existence in Gotham.”

🖥️ How to Watch Joker?

Joker is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also widely available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Joker, you might like these similar films:

• Taxi Driver (1976): Shares a similar portrayal of urban decay and a descent into madness, with a focus on a troubled protagonist.
• The King of Comedy (1982): Explores the dark side of fame and obsession with a troubled comedian who seeks recognition at any cost.
• Fight Club (1999): Features an unreliable narrator and explores the themes of societal alienation and the rise of anarchy.
• A Clockwork Orange (1971): Explores themes of societal violence and the psychological impacts of the individual with a troubled protagonist.

🛒 Joker Related Products

• Joker: The Deluxe Edition: A premium collector’s edition Blu-ray featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content, concept art, and a limited edition art print signed by Todd Phillips.
• Joker: Digital Soundtrack: Download the haunting and atmospheric soundtrack by Hildur Guðnadóttir, including bonus tracks not featured in the film.
• Joker Official Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the iconic movie poster, capturing the essence of Phoenix’s mesmerizing performance.
• Joker: Arkham Asylum Escape Game: An immersive digital game where players navigate Arthur’s descent into madness, solving puzzles and making choices that shape his transformation.

🎧 Soundtrack

Joker features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rock and Roll Part 2” – performed by Gary Glitter
• “White Room” – performed by Cream
• “That’s Life” – performed by Frank Sinatra
• “Send in the Clowns” – performed by Judy Collins
• “Temptation Rag” – performed by Claude Bolling

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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Curious about what a famous movie critic thought of the film? Check out this video to hear his review of the Joker film, starring Joaquin Phoenix.

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