JOKER (2019) - Movie Review

[@jamlym4974]

I would've loved to see a Clockwork Orange-esque Joker backstory that shows him as being completely evil and twisted right from the get go. I don't so much care how he got that way, but I've always been fascinated as to how he would've spent his time prior to meeting Batman.

[@Joseph-xt3el]

I said the exact same thing, when the trailer came out I thought it was going to be a clock work orange balls to the wall movie. But of course they played it safe and made a very simplistic movie.

[@DUNGSI27]

At this point Im actually a bit annoyed that people keel calling referring to this movie as an "incel anthem".It has nothing to do with incel.

[@SB-to5lx]

You're exactly right. it seems that some people think it's sensible to just throw that concept around aimlessly even though Arthur Fleck is not an incel.

[@hahdhsjsjrkfn]

Exactly lol

[@supreme1572]

But incels have similar alienation as joker and relate to him. The movie Joker is based on Taxi Driver is about an MGTOW/incel type individual sick with society.

[@DUNGSI27]

@@supreme1572 I can see a lot of people able to relate to Arthur.He represents the ultimate disfranchised person in this Gotham,but the reasons for his downfall in this movie has so little to do with incel that I bet most actual real life incels who were hyped up with all those "incel anthems" would end up feeling confused and disappointed after watching the movie.This movie has inspired a lot of things ever since it came out,but incel has not been one of them,as far as I know

[@SB-to5lx]

@@supreme1572 Travis Bickle is also not an incel. Honestly, do some people who watch these film just not understand their blatant message? Travis in Taxi Driver also does not harm his love interest, Betsy, he gets angry at her at the beginning but he's out to get the people who are ruining society because he is mentally ill, and not an incel.

[@LordMalice6d9]

Unfortunately I'd have to agree, this film feels very hollow.

[@fifebielby4147]

Jay from red letter media called it baby's first Taxi Driver

[@colinellis460]

A tip: watch movies on Flixzone. Been using them for watching all kinds of movies during the lockdown.

[@carlkai9832]

@Colin Ellis definitely, been watching on flixzone for since november myself :)

[@reginaldrocco7906]

@Colin Ellis definitely, have been watching on Flixzone for years myself :)

[@themoreyouknowfools4974]

I actually think she'd like Jay from redlettermedia. Both like italian horror and are huge cinephiles.

[@dlbyrd-gasca2730]

While I do agree that it does borrow too much from Martin Scorsese's films, that's about all that's actually wrong with it honestly lol.

[@thecollector427]

I remember really liking this movie when i saw it in the theater. But a few months later, i saw Parasite, also in the theater, and it became really hard for me to look at Joker the same way. To me, it always seemed like Parasite tackles the problem of social classes a million times better than Joker. The Park family, despite being kind of eccentric and ignorant (like when they called the rain a "blessing"), was still portrayed as a normal family. It's a much more down to earth movie.

[@youtubeviolatedme7123]

Agreed. I think Parasite, while not necessarily a subtle movie, is a far more focused and less pretentious movie than Joker. I don't feel like Parasite has to rely on directly galvanizing the audience the way Joker did. That's not to say I dislike Joker, but I think fans of Joker get caught up on the sheer quantity of shallow commentary Joker makes on contemporary issues rather than the quality of that commentary. They project their own struggles onto the miserable state of Arthur Fleck and think it's genius that Arthur Fleck vaguely symbolizes their own internal struggles. I think a well-written character has their own very specific conflicts which the audience abstractly relates to on an post-conventional level (which is how Parasite's characters are written), but Joker has the audience relate to his misfortunes on a superficial level. They see him physically suffer, so they believe he is emotionally and ideologically righteous. Any hacky screenwriter can create a miserable character who garners audience sympathy, just as any hacky screenwriter can show a dog dying on screen to make the audience cry. I can understand that both Arthur Fleck and Geun-sae need bad stuff to happen to them because it consequently serves as motivations for their later evil actions, but so much of the bad stuff that happens to Arthur Fleck is redundant. Parasite doesn't shove misery in your face for the sake of it. Joker does, and it takes pride in itself for it.

[@JohnDoe-tm9wz]

I disagree with you completely on this movie but I love your reviews Maggie

[@drgoremd]

I don't understand the criticism that Arthur had no character arc. At the beginning of the film he believes that his purpose in life is to make people laugh and smile. Every time he does so however, be it holding the store sign, making faces at the kid on the bus, entertaining kids at the hospital, telling jokes at the nightclub, etc. it comes back to bite him in a harsh manner. Eventually he wakes up to the reality that he has been used and abused by the people he has tried to make smile and realizes that he does not represent the mask of comedy but rather of tragedy and commits himself to living out that persona instead of his previous one and inflicting that persona on others as well. To be sure, it's a reverse arc as most characters in literature and film go from bad to good but given the character is an evil one it makes perfect sense.

[@lacrimatorium]

I'm not sure we saw the same film. I believe we saw the same flickerings of light upon the screen. But not the same movie. By mentioning the word 'incel' you kind of give away the fact that you read certain critics. Taxi Driver is one of my top ten films of all time. I saw it when it first came out. And I believe they used Scorsese's work as a take off point for something radically different. And truthfully having lived in NYC in 1980 I can tell you that they absolutely nailed the city. Don't forget how many other films this movie references including Network, Dog Day Afternoon, and especially the original silent Man Who Laughs. Up to the point of the talk show I felt that that film was a great homage to Scorsese, 70s films, and late 70s early 80s NYC. Then the film blasted off into the stratosphere. The film is a warning of the chaos of propagandas leading to the chaos coming for all of us if we don't learn to talk and listen. (I made an hour long video about the rise of dark clowns and the Joker.) Pretentious? No I don't think so. Because if you have noticed the film just zoomed passed the usual mainstream critic gatekeepers who really tried to condemn it. And this film will change the way films are made much like Psycho did, much the way Star Wars did. It will take a few years for cinema to figure out what just happened. Superhero movies just took a serious hit. (Thank God!) But things will change. So no. We did not see the same film, same screen, but different films, like politics in America right now. But my film was a plea to learn to listen again, or else the Joker is our king and we are clowns. (Sorry for rambling on too long, I really appreciate your reviews.)

[@lukess.s]

Mate you lost everyone at "this will change the way films are made"

[@lukess.s]

@Scramble Suit People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis

[@lukess.s]

@Scramble Suit Because it's completely true and applies perfectly to your logic

[@titod.7012]

@@lukess.s youre dumb.

[@tedallen898]

DFL: Nausea.... Joel Schumaker: You rang? Srsly tho, Joker never struck me as a bruised soul striking back at the world. I always saw him as a troublemaker from birth getting streetwise real fast, joining a gang when he was 7, lolol! He's more of an Al Capone type with the power and dominance that can only come from organized crime. No, I don't think Joker is a disorganized criminal gathering a ragtag bunch of misfits mailing empty threats to the governor. Tho Joker jests a lot he's not messing around.

[@mrMitrycz]

Absolutely agree, thought I am the only one. This film is absolutely bleached, badly made, looks like an Instagram filtered nonsense. Great review, I enjoy the way you presented your arguments.

[@yomo1690]

I personally liked it, I respect your opinion (you can't be wrong for not liking it) but it does seem you entered the film already with your mind made up to not like it, like from the opening credits! Like you said you don't think they should make a stand alone joker film and it already rubs you up the wrong way. You think its full of ego. And there is no way joaquin did this to showcase his skills to get an award. Think you are being a tad cynical there. P. S on reflection I know I have done this before to a film where I was dead set on hating something and it definitely tainted my view (in my case unfairly)

[@Mayfloweralways]

I’m a middle aged woman that has seen a ton of movies so far in my life lol. And I loved this movie. It was beautiful to look at. And the acting was amazing. I don’t really look for a message. There’s no theme song playing as any of us go about our lives. We have the experiences we have. Arthur’s experience in life was that he was treated horribly and struggled with mental problems. And I didn’t see anything unbelievable about what happened to him. There have been struggles about the haves and have-nots since human existence. I don’t have any problem with the movie not making a huge statement. It’s part of life. Just like it was part of Arthur’s life. I felt for Arthur. Deeply. And there was a twisted beauty in seeing his conscience chipped away until there was no pain left. Just dancing and laughter.

[@riffraffrichard]

I think one of the mistakes modern films make is not actually playfully exploring a theme and establishing images, characters and story arch that create unexpected relationships. The reason joker is boring is because it’s basically 1+1 =2 kind of a formula. Even someone like Spielberg whose film are neatly packaged ideas still have areas of mystery uncertainty and questions.

[@123rockfan]

Completely disagree, but still appreciate your review 😁

[@digital_waffles]

Keep it up; you orbiter.

[@adv4186]

From the trailers it was pretty obvious this movie was not going to be very subtle, but it turned out to be worse than that.

[@musicfilmhead9051]

Love how you bring up some great points to why you dislike a certain film. I loved Joker myself, but can totally understand were you're coming from with your critiques. Great review.

[@lampad4549]

How? She completely misrepresents the film.

[@dlbyrd-gasca2730]

@@lampad4549 true.

[@rahulmallah8306]

The main critique I got from this review is that Joker is not as good as the movie taxi driver. The rest of your dissatisfaction you don't explain any of it. Also why are you so hesitant on praising Joacquin's performance? Calling the movie an anthem for incels is actually quite a shallow take of the movie. Russel Brand's review is so well compared to yours mainly because he explains his points very well. I do not have problem with you disliking the movie, but you should explain your points.

[@MarcEtMichele]

I dont think she means Joker isnt "as good" or whatever. She uses Taxi Driver as a way to give examples why the film didnt work for her. Also, I thought she explained all her points quite well

[@SB-to5lx]

@@MarcEtMichele The fact that she only referenced Taxi Driver discredits her whole review because Joker takes themes from a series of films including King of Comedy and Dog Day Afternoon etc. She didn't do as much research and wasn't as prepared to give a review of this movie as she thinks. So she should revise her review and be prepared with better information.

[@MarcEtMichele]

@@SB-to5lx She doesn't have to reference every single film Joker takes influence from in order to review it. That makes no sense. She talked about the themes outside of her reference to Taxi Driver as well.

[@SB-to5lx]

@@MarcEtMichele It makes perfect sense because the whole movie isn't just Taxi Driver. Why make a mediocre review with misinformation and lack of knowledge?

[@MarcEtMichele]

@@SB-to5lx Did she talk for 15 minutes about Taxi driver? If you call leaving out influences as misinformation then every single review of any film ever is misinformed. There is no way you can point out every influencer and go in depth analysing all of them.

[@SB-to5lx]

This film isn't an "incel anthem", that's a very misinformed and shallow analysis. I'm not sure why you would say that aside from hearing other people say it without knowing the meaning of that concept. First, There's almost no sexuality in it aside from Arthur kissing his possibly imagined girlfriend. Second, Arthur attacks everyone who wrongs him and he doesn't discriminate based on gender, he attacks men and women like a truly mentally ill individual, he doesn't take sides. The film depicts a mentally ill man in a bad setting who is treated badly and has bad luck and so he attacks everyone who wrongs him, regardless of their gender or rank, so that "incel" nonsense totally backfires. It's a dismissive and inaccurate statement.

[@cartrelld]

I was just thinking this. Why the hell do these people keep throwing around the word incel? Arthur's "turning point" has absolutely nothing to do with dating/romance.

[@supreme1572]

You can stop reading at "his imagined girlfriend" and you prove your own point wrong. It's totally something incels can relate to.

[@shadowseer07]

So I thought you were unduly harsh about this movie until I watched it last night...and yeaaaaah. Something about it just rubs me the wrong way, and believe me I didn’t want that to be the case. I can’t even put my finger on what it is about it, but somehow it just comes across as insincere and hollow...and it really shouldn’t. I don’t really see the incel connection, although I did find his stalking of his neighbor way more alarming than when I had only heard about it. Arthur’s character came across way creepier to me rather than sympathetic and that kind of threw me off for the whole thing. He just seemed so bitter and angry about everything before anything had even happened to him on screen, and I just never got the feeling he was ‘The Joker’ just a really sick man. That word hollow came up in many reviews and I didn’t get it until I saw it, hollow and empty. People are praising Joaquin’s performance, but he never got me on his side, not once! He never felt like the hero of his story, not even an anti-hero, and he never had enough motivation or ambition to be a real villain...he was just there. It didn’t seem like a psychological descent, he just seemed psycho the entire time!

[@cheriejones1801]

The joker shouldn't have a backstory or be any more of the shallow caricature he usually is. Any attempt at humanising him would probably clash with his psychotic nature.

[@historybuff1986]

Arthur really was an underwritten character- I felt like I never got inside his head. I would have liked to know if he felt any moral conflict over killing. I would have found that interesting. Arthur mostly reacts to his negative circumstances by getting angry or scared and it's not clear if he's making a choice or if he's so far gone that he really doesn't have morals anymore.

[@dlbyrd-gasca2730]

Arthur was not an underwritten character. The whole reason why they portrayed him without morality, or seemingly without morality was to highlight his mental decline. When you can't receive any form of positive attention, you'll go looking for negative attention.

[@davec3651]

You criticize the controversy and oscar buzz, because you've been told there's controversy and oscar buzz. You compare it to Taxi Driver because you've been told it's like or influenced by Taxi Driver. They are definitely two different movies and weren't meant to be as similar as people have indicated. You are too externally influenced.

[@kubricklynch]

Hmm, seems like the oscar buzz was real

[@richardsantanna5398]

The similarities between the two films were blatant. How could you not see it?

[@abdulrahimshihabuddin1119]

I would really love to hear your thoughts on Spike Jonze's Her someday.

[@abdulrahimshihabuddin1119]

ASMRcinema Oh, she already did that. I have been only following her reviews recently. Thanks btw.

[@65g4]

I loved the movie thought it was a masterpiece i think it was a great character study. Sorry you didnt like it but i respect your opinion. Good to watch your reviews again

[@dkazmer2]

mos def _not_ a "masterpiece"

[@diesenutss]

A character study of the most inconsistent "character" I've seen in a while

[@martyvenkman860]

@@diesenutss that's the whole point, Joker is not a reliable narrator.

[@juicybutterriblydrab]

Then why make a film about him a character study when you literally can't study his character?

[@martyvenkman860]

@@juicybutterriblydrab they DID studied his character unreliable narrative is just apart of him.

[@riffraffrichard]

I thought it was a bad movie, wannabe arthouse. Bad date is a good analogy. It’s very modern in the sense it cherry picks moments stylistically from it’s reference points with no heart or understanding of what it is truly exploring.

[@ed1rko17]

When I hear your criticisms of the film, I totally understand and agree with you to a certain extent. Especially with the Taxi Driver complaint, it definitely hinders the experience a little. But when I watched it (twice now), I didn't respond to it the same way as you. When I look at it as a film, I see flaws with it that normally would bother me, but for some reason I just really liked it. I was emotionally invested. It did it's job of making me feel disturbed by this guy, and I left the theatre with a feeling of dread and I couldn't stop thinking about it. It was a surprisingly visceral experience.

[@Petergcomedy93]

It also rips off king of comedy on a disgusting level

[@MrDecksels]

You've probably already seen it but can I recommend you watch One Hour Photo by Mark Romanek (again). It has a very similar theme to Joker but is, in my opinion, far more superior. Robin Williams puts on the performance of a lifetime.

[@adrian72300]

WOW! finally someone who's not riding the bandwagon and giving an honest, thoughtful review on this overrated movie...this movie is all she said it is , there is nothing interesting about Arthur Fleck, this reviewer has incredible insight

[@SB-to5lx]

Do you find anything interesting about Theodore Twombly from the film "Her"? don't be a snob be open-minded about a character study.

[@dlbyrd-gasca2730]

This is why Arthur did what he did. It's people like you who drive a person to kill. I find your takes to be very, very uninteresting.

[@jermainerucker2027]

I hated this film The dialogue was weak And you’re exactly right It was very pretentious

[@jessediaz1293]

I hate the film too. It’s a blending of Taxi Driver and King of Comedy with a really overrated performance. I didn’t feel sorry for him and I wasn’t rooting for him. Halfway through the movie I wanted it to end because of the two movies I mentioned above.

[@thebadassninja5847]

I respect your opinion but I loved it. It definitely delivered on its premise. But I seen darker films before. For me it was little slow. Not a big fan of slow movies. But it was a great movie.

[@marinbobicmb]

Just imagine if Darren Aronofsky directed this movie

[@unmixedunmastered2810]

Lol no

[@noshow]

Wow, I get you didn't like or enjoy the movie, but you don't think it was made with any honest intentions???

[@cobracommander8133]

Yeah I found that statement hard to believe as well.

[@SB-to5lx]

Yeah, everyone involved gave it their all for a very intense film, a silly statement from her. Joaquin Phoenix lost 50 pounds for this role, that's very serious and very honest work. He totally committed himself to give a great performance.

[@Mayfloweralways]

SB 96, yep. And he knocked it out of the park. He sold every scene. When he was on the subway and the guys were approaching him, that got me. He’s trying to find his card, trying to wave them off, and you can just see the defeat on his face. Amazing acting.

[@davec3651]

Is it honestly believable that this Fleck character would even have a real relationship with Sophie, as what you wanted? The relationship not being real is the most realistic thing that could have happened to a person like him.

[@benleon3405]

The Joker is one of those movies where people can’t say I didn’t like it…because “everyone” says it’s great…good job providing your opinion..it reminds me when my brother-in-law said to me..I don’t like the Beatles..ha ha..at first I was like wtf ..but then later I thought 💭 ok 👌 he doesn’t like them..

[@paulclemens7953]

Your reviews, even on the very rare occasions I don't agree with them, are marvelous -- articulate, intelligent and carefully considered. Haven't seen 'Joker' yet so can't weigh in on this one. But I definitely appreciate your critical voice, Maggie. Keep up the great work!

[@jimmyboy131]

I appreciate your honest thoughts on this movie. And I think it's quite amazing how different individuals can see the same movie but have such different takes on it. In my opinion, this movie was excellent, though very dark, disturbing, and brutal, and very very sad. And even though I liked it a lot as a story and portrayal, I probably won't watch it again. For you it didn't strike any emotional or mental notes; for me it did. Like I said, it was very very sad and disturbing. In his struggles, I can see elements of my own emotional struggles over the course of my life. And I can feel his pain (or empathize with it) at certain points. Also, he's not an incel. He's isolated and disturbed, with no way out of his own mind and the twisted world he lives in. The incel controversy, and in fact most or all controversy around this movie, is manufactured by the media. Why did they do that? That's another discussion. But there's a difference between someone like Arthur, and an actual incel. Arthur isn't a failed romantic or someone who doesn't have the wherewithal to go out and meet real women. He doesn't even try, or have any real desire to, except for his thoughts and delusions toward his neighbor. Sure he obviously doesn't have the social skills, but his problem isn't involuntary celibacy; it's his mental and emotional situation. Which, again, he can find no way out of. And speaking of finding a way out, he pro-actively tried to at almost every step he took. He tried to work and earn a legitimate living, and to make people happy. He tried taking care of his mother. He tried finding real counseling and professional help. He took the medication he was prescribed. He even tried to pursue his hobby of stand up comedy. All of that is taking action, so I'm not sure why you think he was just coasting along or however it was you described it. Anyway, thanks for taking time to give us your insight.

[@gergq5888]

Best Joker review. I didn’t buy into JP here. The Master I did. I realize that I watch your videos before I even look it up on rotten tomatoes. Keep reviewing movies and never buy a new bookshelf!

[@MsCankersore]

Marketing ploy….right there. Never resembled anything about the joker character. It was such a hard watch and even went to the bathroom which I never do during a film. Huge let down

[@TheSnoozeFox]

Subbed even though I disagree, you've been doing this for years so at least you are genuinely into movies.

[@bluekey1971]

Just watched her The Last Jedi review and now understand the Joker review. She is a Disney girl. Deepfocuslens had always planned to give this movie a negative review no matter what. It was obvious with the constant eye rolling and use of the word incel throughout the entire Joker review. The biggest insult was saying paperboy was the best actor in the movie. Joaquin Phoenix performance was fascinating to watch, quite amazing. But she refuses to acknowledge his portray of the Joker. But do you know who she give credit for great acting? Many of the characters in The Last Jedi. She also ranked The Last Jedi second among all Star Wars movies. Her The Last Jedi review is very telling. In the review she wanted the movie to take its time more narrating the story and developing the characters, saying it was moving to fast. Deepfocuslens also said she likes it when things start quiet and small and get bigger and bigger as the movie goes on, because then it feels more earned. Stating they don't make movies like that anymore. Deepfocuslens got the movie she wanted in Joker and rejected the request. There was zero chance Joker would get a positive review from her. That's why the review was vague and off track.

[@titod.7012]

This is strike 2 for her. One more and Im not wayching her anymore. She doesnt even like Shawshank Redemption. That was strike one lol.

[@titod.7012]

@NeanderthalRetardo Speak for yourself. You should at the very least be able to appreciate that movie if youre a fan of films. I just dont know about this chick sometimes.

[@shadowseer07]

I don’t think so, and I rooted for this film and really thought I would love it. I watched it last night and have to agree with everything Maggie was saying. Arthur literally had zero pathos and I had no sympathy for him the entire time. It truly just seemed so pretentious for the entire film. He was just being weird for weird’s sake! He didn’t even seem realistically mentally ill...just over the top movie psychotic.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

@@titod.7012 please leave without the third strike, you embarassing tool

[@titod.7012]

@@kostajovanovic3711 no you.

[@trueaddict8733]

I would disagree that its hollow, but this is one of those films that I can completely understand if you love it or if you hate it. And it's fine if you didn't like it. Personally I loved it, but that's the great thing about art. Fun fact- Scorcese actually brought the idea for this film to Warner bros with todd Philips. He was supposed to be a producer. This certainly took inspiration from taxi driver but I think they are very different. Travis's story is more of an unravelling while Arthur's story is more about self actualization. One thing that's interesting about this film is that many of the events are meant to be ambiguous, and you're left wondering if any of them actually happened, as arthur is an unreliable narrator, and the joker is delusional and lives in his own fantasy world. The movie becomes a different thing when you look at it from the lense of being anything but literal, and look at all of the subtlety that's in the film. I'd give this a second watch unless you really hated it. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@SB-to5lx]

As well, you seem to only mention Taxi Driver. Have you seen King of Comedy and Dog Day Afternoon which also account for some of Joker's thematic elements? Joker incorporated thematic aspects from a series of films, not just Taxi Driver. It's important to see all the films Joker was influenced by in order to connect the dots and really see how great of a modern throwback film it truly is, otherwise you're not seeing the whole picture but only giving a shallow analysis. Todd Phillips has said in various interviews that he was influenced by a series of movies from the '70s and '80s for this film. You have to do research and watch these movies before seeing Joker in order to fully appreciate its style. If you only watch Taxi Driver you'll be disappointed because you're not aware of the other films which were imitated very well like King of Comedy and Dog Day Afternoon. Watch those other two films and then watch Joker again and see how you feel. You need to see the big picture and be open-minded and prepared to appreciate and enjoy this film.

[@guineapig55555]

Don't forget the roaring 20s film The Man Who Laughs which influenced the creation of the Joker in the very original comics

[@SB-to5lx]

@@guineapig55555 Yes, that as well. Todd Phillips also mentioned that several times in interviews.

[@titod.7012]

@@SB-to5lx Falling Down, Fight Club, The Shining and Memento come to my mind aswell.

[@SB-to5lx]

@@titod.7012 Yes, for sure especially Falling Down, great film.

[@iresentdoingthis1550]

The Left Media created the Controversy before seeing the Film. Martin Scorsese was due to Produce the Film, Gave the film maker it's blessing. So I don't see your 'problem' when Scorsese doesn't have one. This Film will go down as a Classic piece of Cinema, when viewed with compassion. It addresses the plight of Fatherlessness, Class Warfare / Wealth Inequality, Child Abuse, Gaslighting an abused Kid, Repressed Trauma, Mental Health, the importance of Mental Health Services, Nationalised Health, Over Medication - Big pharma, Gun Violence, Loneliness , Isolation, Depression and how if we keep hurting each other and ignoring each other - Regardless of if You're an MCU fan / DC fan /Man / Woman / White / Ethic Minority/ LGBT etc This is the end result - All done with loving attention and the seriousness it deserves WITHOUT Ramming down an obvious political agenda from Either side of the Spectrum. But a compassionate look at a human being's downward spiral. @t Amazing Work of Art. This Truly elevates Cinema And Comic Book films. You Clearly MISSED the Point.

[@Gavin48]

Thank You. I think Jeremy Jahns and Grace Randolph are the only people on KZbin who really understand this movie.

[@ed1rko17]

You sound like a triggered conservative. I liked the movie, but damn you're over hyping it way too much and making it unnecessarily political. It's a good film in my opinion, but quit acting like this is some high-art at the peak of cinema.

[@andrew5500]

You didn't even listen to the entire review, obviously... The blatant political and social commentary does not by itself make a good film. And besides that, she addresses how even the social commentary is subpar as they don't explore the character of Arthur that well, and how them choosing to frame an antihero story around the Joker in the first place, and trying to empathize and humanize what is basically a symbol of violent anarchy, is not the right approach to the Joker character, who serves best as a villainous foil to Batman. Every single one of those issues you listed is represented and addressed FAR more effectively in a variety of other films- just because this film tried to tackle them all at once, does not mean it succeeded.

[@titod.7012]

Yup, when the pain of inaction exceeds the power of action. This movie is very relevant today. I dont expect women to get this movie tbh, just men.

[@MJGianesello]

the political commentary of this movie is equal in quality to a homeless man's rambling about reptilians cock out in the middle of the street

[@DavidLewin2023]

Each to their own and all that but I couldn't disagree more - Joker is a stunning film, everything from the script to the performance of Joaquin Phoenix is absolutely spot on. An instant masterpiece.

[@jmurdock8303]

I think it's more Joaquin Phoenix than anything that applauded but other than that it's a mess

[@djstigmata4961]

i personally enjoyed the film quite a bit, but this is a very good review and I agree with a lot of your points/criticisms. I was entertained, but it did feel very vacant and definitely had a lot of issues. keep up the good work, love your videos!

[@UsurpersAndAssassins]

So nice to see someone who disliked it for legitimate reasons. I enjoyed it. But I hated the political attacks on it.

[@ScariestMovieScenes]

Oh shut up about this whole "muh taxi driver copy" thing that movie is 40 years old and a movie taking inspiration from that and doing it justice somehow makes the new one bad? Yet you look at every other comic book movie from Marvel and it's literally the same story over and over again but the suit that is worn looks different, no problem with that tho!

[@MJGianesello]

because ot didn't do it justice, it failed miserably in every inspiration it took, which makes it both unoriginal and mediocre instead of only mediocre

[@sagarsaxena6318]

Very valid points about Travis Bickle as a character vs. Arthur Fleck and why "Taxi Driver" is a better movie than "Joker". Travis' arc doesn't have alienation from the beginning. His profession actually brings him in close contact with the "night life" of the town & he feels he is a social person. This is why the screw-up with Betsy was so impactful,because Travis doesn't really get it. However,Arthur is shown to be alienated from the start. He doesn't really try to fit in & we are already told that he's mentally ill. Much of the promise of "Joker" was showing us why Arthur became Joker. I think the movie is also making some points about mental health & how hard it is to live a normal life when you have such a condition. Something else that makes the movie interesting is the partly random edits. There is a scene where Arthur shuts himself in the fridge,the very next scene he is on his bed. So what happened really? Thus it is possible that we are seeing things only from Arthur's perspective & much of it was false. But kudos to you for eloquently stating your disappointment(s) with the movie. Valuable & good stuff!

[@MichaelStanley93]

it's a flawed movie and there are lots of reasonable critiques one could have, but nothing you said is among them. I don't understand this review at all.

[@RyansChannel0203]

I barely noticed any real flaws honestly.

[@federico792]

Omg ok

[@cobracommander8133]

Michael Stanley agreed

[@paulEG8]

a flawed movie? what the fuck?!

[@jello4479]

She didn’t bring up a single coherent criticism

[@Jerseydre2]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that felt this way about it.

[@TheFortressMaximus]

I told my directing teacher it’s a good film for people who don’t watch good films. If this gets people into arthouse cinema, more power to it. But it’s a so-so plot carried by one stellar performance. That’s about it.

[@pinkmidi6553]

"good film for people who don't watch good films" best take ever

[@jdabishop9926]

I do agree that this film is some what copy paste Scorsese and on the nose thematically, but I loved Joakim Phoenix’s performance and I’m glad Movies like this are making money at the box office

[@bsmolina92]

wow wasn’t expecting this reaction from you i respect your opinion but how can you be that dissatisfied w it? you said something along the lines of we’d have to be crazy not to admire joaquin as an actor and i reverse it w all due respect you are crazy for not liking the movie! keep the reviews coming maggie

[@titod.7012]

Yup, especially since Phoenix IS the movie.

[@thetoothbrushfromnisemonog8340]

Brian Molina bro... it’s just a movie.

[@docsamson198]

I appreciate your sincerity. I loved it. Personally, I think it was basically a neo-noir with a comic book character. The dark feel, the slow burn pace, the outcast, the sexual frustration, the breakdown of society, crime running rampant -- all of those are ingredients for a neo-noir,

[@LilJJ715]

yes, i would love to see more comic book movies take on more genres. I do get the sentiment that Joker wears its influences on its sleeves, but Phillips is at least drawing inspiration from one of the best. Also, the fact that this movie was successful only proves to studios that drama-centered comic book movies can be profitable. Although this one was a miss for me, the more comic book movies that branch out to more genres, the more comic book stories the filmmakers can actually tell-- without the studio stressing the filmmakers to have it set in a cinematic universe or have a big CGI fight scene at the end.

[@burnieburnz8321]

Bottom line, Todd Phillips owes Martin Scorsese a check.

[@aidanfilms702]

If you gonna try to make a clever degrading comment, then at least add Paul Schrader's name too... lol

[@electrofunk5442]

Again...The Swimmer 1968 plz...I'm dying to hear what you have to say...These psycho-analytical films you have done lately beg for The Swimmer... at least for me

[@tomroe30]

You basically for the most part managed to articulate my exact feelings about the film ha. I felt to an extent perhaps we were all a bit duped with this film, myself included. Seeing the trailer was enough for me - great trailer, but dont need it for two hours please!

[@msmit152]

I know how you feel about The Dark Knight, but the oscar buzz around it was organic and unexpected. Joker's oscar buzz, like you said, is contrived and put on. For all of Nolan's flaws, at least he was trying to be innovative (albeit in his own pretentious way). Todd Phillips looks like he's trying to reverse engineer an oscar and fanboy praise.

[@snakeridder2]

Hi Maggie I would ask for your suggestion who would you suggest between Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kevin Spacey and Daniel Day- Lewis , I mean which out of the three greats would be your pick for a silent movie. Looking forward to hear from you soon.

[@MusicalPlayground717]

I didn't dislike it quite as much as you, but I agree completely with your reasons for disliking it. It doesn't explore its themes deeply enough, the writing - not the performance, but the writing - doesn't make Arthur Fleck's descent into madness convincing or meaningful, it doesn't have enough nuance in its direction, and its aesthetic tone, while occasionally intriguing, is mostly drab and monotonous. It rides on a miraculous performance by Joaquin Phoenix, but even a miraculous performance can't save a half-baked script.

[@joboxer42]

Joker is one of those movies that the average person will go and see and think it's a work of art. Good movie? yeah. Fantastic movie? Not quite. It's frustrating though, there are a fair amount of people that are so convinced its perfect and deep and layered that trying to discuss the flaws of the movie is considered a sin to them. Honestly it seems to me there are two types of crowds when it comes to this movie. Those that are sparking the controversy and calling it overly violent, etc. And those that think everything it does portrays a tortured soul in society and that people that don't praise it don't get it. Then there are through and through movie goer's and reviewers who look at a movie based on personal film judgment, separate from the positive and negative hype surrounding it. Doesn't mean the film is bad, it does have flaws and shortcomings though. You've proven your thoughtfulness and your movie articulation in previous reviews and you've done so again,Great review!

[@titod.7012]

what are the flaws and shortcomings?

[@BigV24]

RT. It’s a Taxi Driver rip off minus the heart and soul. Joker is an ancillary character that doesn’t deserve an origin movie, movie studio execs are just using the legacy of Heath Ledger to milk these casual movie goers and public.

[@MJGianesello]

yeah right? It's like a poor man's version of an intelligent film , which people love of course because it gives the impression of being smart while being about as challenging or layered as any generic studio movie

[@dannyk7226]

Insightful as always, Maggie. Joker is one of those love it or don’t films…

[@ToriH]

I feel the same way and I'm glad u are voicing it out.

[@jefffisher6481]

Obviously hated the movie without specifics.

[@DmitriyK12]

I was wrong to think that the Joker and Batman we're close in age; all the previous films showed the two foes in a similar light. Bruce Wayne looked like a preteen , while Arthur was a thirty something year old man. I am really curious to see a future movie that ties this film with the upcoming Batman reboot in 2021/2022.

[@mattis1981]

1. I totally agree with the notion that the director/writer isn't really shining a light on the interesting parts and nuances with these themes, but that doesn't mean that there can be accidents where scenes can become interesting. What I mean is that a director/writer could stumble upon something interesting without them even knowing it, or people can interpret something that is not the writers intention. There are themes here that are touched upon, but overlooked i think due to the fact that they were probably unintentional. Especially the ripping of the late night talk show who is seemingly a left leaning person, and makes jokes about the system (or individuals within the system), but are themselves a part of the system, and therefore will never cross the line where they throw the system under the bus, or give radical solutions. 2. When it comes to this comparison to Taxi Driver i find it very strange because yeah the first act is similar, but the movies stray into very different directions (even though the over arching story has similarities, as do tons of movies). The second act of Joker he traces his family history, he discovers a secret about himself that might explain alot, that might give comfort, but this takes a turn, and the hopelessness comes back. Because most of us aren't special in the same way that Joker is not special, but he does something special. In Taxi Driver Travis makes the "right" choice, he does not assassinate his target, but instead helps out, and kills "the bad people". Joker does not do this, he does the total opposite. Obviously Taxi Driver is a much better movie, but the comparison is at best weak because you could compare this sort of journey to alot of films. I've seen nobody talk about the fact that First Reformed is heavily influenced and is almost at the point of remake of Winter Light. Anyways Joker is an ok movie which sadly today makes it a great movie just because it has a story. Watching this in a real cinema reminded me that movies with bigger budgets can have a story, can be decent if not good. But if you rip that context away I would totally agree with you, compare this to almost any type of indie film, or just a movie made by someone with a vision and a story far surpasses Joker.

[@luisutil9070]

I struggled so much... hyped... I did not get the excessive use of cringe... I did not like it

[@TheGoodfella2012]

Joker was a highly overrated film. Not sure how it made all the money it did. Phoenix's laughing was more annoying than anything.

[@BigV24]

Great review, I had similar feelings. Was surprised it was getting lauded.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

I appreciate your review. I enjoyed the film. Your discomfort with the film may be why I enjoyed it. It depicts a society in decline, much like ours. I grew up in the 80’s it “depicts”. The nuanced mental health depiction. How media shaped class struggle as an individuals problem not societal. Also how someone falls thru the cracks. Loved how it wove the bruce wayne story into the mix and how the joker was born out of societal malaise. Arthur wasn’t the cause if the demise, he became the spoke person. Arthur was the victim in this film and society was the villain. That makes people uncomfortable.

[@Serocco]

Years later, she really comes across like she doesn't want reality to be reflected in movies.

[@christopherrobin7776]

@@Serocco Maggie is another big phony, a feminist pseudo-intellectual blowhard. She claims she is very "real" but what is reflected in her videos is pretention and haughtiness, repetition and avoidance of core motivation in film. And I suspect she has a lot of personal issues. Plus if any flick truly depicts men as legitimate victims of purposeful societal neglect and demonization , it's "not her problem" to that effect. This figures considering her personal and political stance. Why anyone would spend a digital ten cents towards her for making vids is laughable. People got suckered in. Waste of time.

[@matthewraphael]

I personally didn't hate this film neither did I love it, it's a decent film but god damn this film has one hell of a toxic fan base.

[@ShedSoundsMediawithIanBeabout]

Great review! This one left me pretty cold as well.

[@Unhacker]

Oh sh*t, I'd overlooked how much this was like King of Comedy (which I adore), even as the comparison to Taxi Driver was so obvious. But now that you mention it, it really is an almost perfect hybrid/redux of them both. And now I have to go watch King of Comedy again. :)

[@shanemcguire6428]

I loved the joker its a character analysis film but your not the only one to have your kind of opinion

[@jonathankraal1741]

For me this movie worked very well and I was captivated from start to finish. However, I do like your review. You make great points and show that you have a solid understanding on this film and film making in general.

[@themoreyouknowfools4974]

The message become more obvious and throat shoving by the scene with de niro.

[@jimpickard3850]

Hey Maggie ... huge fan of your reviews, you are always so spot on to my way of thinking, however I can't help thinking maybe you went into this one with some pre-conceived ideas, in view of what you spoke about at the end ? Looking forward to seeing the film this week, and watching your review again afterwards. Maybe I'll agree with you ?

[@nscott2590]

I completely agree. When this movie ended, I felt absolutely nothing.

[@ryanrohrer6453]

This wasn’t a film it was a character study, obviously it was depressing and you’re not supposed to like it

[@Evocati2008]

absolutely contrived, agenda driven review. The performances were great, the shots were beautiful, and well directed. This is just a review out of spite, and quite frankly your hate just spews from your pores. You can try and dress it up with all your BS excuses. Again, any review that tries to tell YOU , the viewer, how to take things is a BS review. It has an agenda. Joker was and will always be Oscar worthy, and is a great, great film. Alot deeper than this person, that's for sure.

[@thoth8784]

Any student of The Joker should watch Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs. That's what inspired the Joker in the first place. On second thought, don't be a student of The Joker. He hates you, he'll kill you. He hates everybody. I mean look what he did to Heath Ledger, he killed the poor sap.

[@lucturgeon9828]

Glad to see you’re back! Even though I disagree with you on this one, always love watching your reviews.

[@RyanORLY]

thank you for vocalising what i couldnt put into my own words but have been thinking the entire time

[@alisha3205]

I would really love to read that essay if you still have it? 😊

[@deepfocuslens]

I'll do some digging when I visit my parents house XD.

[@Nominay]

I think the only reason why I was able to enjoy Joker was because I went into it with such low expectations. I had no plan to see it 30 minutes beforehand, I was just bored and travelling across the country with nothing to do at night.

[@bingolo_]

All you said was spot on.

[@timothyhodges]

I don't agree with you, but I really enjoy the way you phrase your criticism. A question: how is this not a political film? I thought it was a pretty clear depiction of how capitalistic forces can catalyse the malice brooding in the most vulnerable of society.

[@historybuff1986]

It is political, but Todd Phillips said that it's not meant to be. If he really didn't want it to be political he made a major misstep somewhere www.esquire.com/entertainment/a28881178/joker-early-reviews-critics/

[@hisalexness8478]

One of the reasons why the leftist media had their knives out for this film, I think, from when I saw it, is that it depicted the central white character, as being stranded alone, in an atomised way, in a multiracial society. The scenes in the city, on the bus, in his apartment, is a white man who is alienated, alone. I’m not saying this was the central theme, but a theme that the director either consciously or unconsciously sneaked into the film. And I think the critics had a knee jerk reaction to this.

[@stivklif]

Alienated, lonely white men have been a staple of cinema classics, whether it's The Apartment, The Godfather or There Will Be Blood, all of them adored by critics

[@hisalexness8478]

@@stivklif those films may be about the alienation of single white men, who are atomised in society- not pertaining to race. I’m saying the alienation in this film was a white man feeling a sense of alienation in a multi cultural backdrop, where his culture is being eroded. My point still stands.

[@stivklif]

@@hisalexness8478 well, your point is a little clearer at least. For you the theme of Joker is the loss of white supremacy and whether violence is the best way to respond to living alongside people from other cultural backgrounds? If not, what do you mean when you say Arthur's culture is being eroded?

[@hisalexness8478]

@@stivklif I didn’t make any of those points. I originally said that part of the alienation of the character, seemingly on a subliminal level…is that he (a white guy) is always depicted as a white minority in the landscapes that he moves through. I wondered wether this was a conscious or unconscious depiction by the director. I said this may have been an equally subconscious reason why critics took against the film.

[@hisalexness8478]

@@stivklif my original point was very clear - you chose to wilfully misunderstand it, probably due to your personal politics.

[@heideldiaz4841]

I strongly disagree with you with almost everything you said.

[@jerrytom8835]

at least one thing I gave credit to this film this that it makes some people knew about Taxi Driver(in cluding me), one of my fav of all time now.

[@tdreamer25]

Thank you Maggie, I always love your reviews! Could you please make a video about your favorite movies? I would love to hear your take and try to watch something different since I am not too knowledgeable about films. I'll definitely check taxi driver as a reference too

[@MoviePOP]

HRMM interesting review. Like most in the comments I disagree but appreciate your insight. Also stopping by since your review is the biggest link to mine according to analytics. Happy reviewing, friend! -Dj

[@LoverOfManyArts]

Definitely giving this video a big fat LIKE. I really find this film being wayyy overrated by other critics.

[@RyansChannel0203]

Obviously you've never seen the film before.

[@LoverOfManyArts]

@@RyansChannel0203 Um, yes i have dumbass. Where exactly do you get off telling other people who you don't even know on the Internet what movies they have and haven't seen?

[@LoverOfManyArts]

@@RyansChannel0203 "he didn't like the film so he must not have seen it !" Yeahhh....sure, because anyone ever who watches the movie must automatically like it even when they don't.... I'm guessing you also think that Maggie in this video is just playing an early april fools joke then by saying she doesn't like this film very much?

[@RyansChannel0203]

@@LoverOfManyArts Sure you have. Lol, btw I'm sure Maggie saw the film, even though I felt like she completely misunderstood it.

[@paulEG8]

really? i think it's underrated

[@midnightcharlieman6669]

By the way.. Yes.. Taxi driver is a great movie. Haven't seen it in a few years now.. I'm fairly certain I haven't changed my mind about it.

[@SB-to5lx]

Also, it's very cool and a major accomplishment that Todd Phillips and all the actors were able to make a modern throwback to great 70's and 80's films like Taxi Driver and King of Comedy etc. It's truly a successful blend of those films with great nods to that era of films. Why would anybody be so smug as to say that's a bad thing? It shows passion on the part of the director and actors. Robert De Niro signed on, he starred in both movies prior, and he would know better than anyone if this movie was worth starring in as well, so clearly he saw redeeming qualities in this film. Even Martin Scorsese almost produced it. For people to bash this movie for silly, nitpicky nonsense is ridiculous. Look at the glass as half full, not half empty. This film is a successful throwback to a great era of character study films which incorporates and blends the formula that made those movies great and it works very well. Everyone involved put so much passion and effort into it, there's no need to be negative about a great film. Moreover, Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese aren't so protective of their movies to say that no one can imitate their style because imitation is the best form of flattery. For people to be so defensive about movies with which both the actor and director involved allowed to be imitated is pathetic and looks like sucking up. Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix paid respect and did justice to De Niro's and Scorsese's work. Why be defensive about their films? it's their material, not yours, and they felt Joker was a good homage to their movies, plain and simple. Taxi Driver and King of Comedy belong to Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese and they allowed their films to be imitated by Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix because they saw redeeming qualities in the script and style and because they can do what they want with their material. If De Niro and Scorsese didn't like this movie it wouldn't have had much support. Therefore, the fact that De Niro and Scorsese supported this movie speaks volumes and matters more in the grand scheme of things in the film industry than what random, average people think after having seen the movie. It also won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, so it's clearly a great film.

[@Bigfrank88]

I just can't get over that the plot hinged on open mic video going viral.

[@leafyutube]

One of your few reviews that I completely disagree with.

[@ManMan-bj8it]

I really enjoyed the movie. Is it the best of the year? Hell no. But thought it was much better than I could have imagined. Sorry to hear you didn’t like it.

[@Paulinhox88]

On rewatch 9 months later I couldn't agree ore with your review. Its ultimately a banal film which pulls its punches and neglects to explore the interesting avenues that it hints at.

[@fabiesque]

this review is a MASTERWORK. Chapeau.