Joker review: Powerful film stars a brooding performance from Joaquin Phoenix
5 years, 3 months ago

Joker review: Powerful film stars a brooding performance from Joaquin Phoenix

The Independent  

Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The answer given in Todd Phillips’s ingenious new feature is Batman’s arch nemesis, the Joker. As first encountered here, Arthur Fleck is like a cross between Travis Bickle, the vigilante loner in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver and Rupert Pupkin, the would-be comedian in Scorsese’s King of Comedy. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Phoenix’s Joker is a heavier, more brooding and introspective figure than that of Heath Ledger in Nolan’s The Dark Knight. However, Phillips includes one brilliantly staged set piece on the Gotham subway, involving Joker, hundreds of protesters dressed as clowns, and two hapless police officers caught in the throng.

History of this topic

Joker 2 Trailer: Fans already obsessed with ‘perfect’ Joaquin Phoenix lipstick scene
8 months, 4 weeks ago
Joker 2 reveals a captivating glimpse of Joaquin Phoenix in Gotham City
1 year, 3 months ago
Joker 2: New images of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga emerge as film wraps production
1 year, 9 months ago
Joker 2: Joaquin Phoenix pictured reading script as new movie’s title’s announced
2 years, 7 months ago
Review: Gloomy nights for the Dark Knight in ‘The Batman’
2 years, 10 months ago
Joker 2: Joaquin Phoenix shares update on potential sequel
3 years, 3 months ago
Before winning Oscar for Joker, Joaquin Phoenix was supposed to play Batman, but studio rejected him
4 years, 2 months ago
Joaquin Phoenix in talks to sign blockbuster $50 million deal for two Joker sequels: report
4 years, 3 months ago
Before Joker, Joaquin Phoenix was supposed to play Batman, but studio rejected him
4 years, 8 months ago
Joaquin Phoenix accepts he was a scoundrel and cruel, talks animal rights in Oscar speech. Watch
4 years, 11 months ago
’Joker’ earns Joaquin Phoenix his maiden Oscar
4 years, 11 months ago
Yes, Joaquin Phoenix deserves his best actor Oscar — but not for ‘Joker’ alone
4 years, 11 months ago
Comic book films at the Oscars: How 'Joker' is tipped to be a big winner
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Joaquin Phoenix's Joker to re-release in India on February 14
4 years, 11 months ago
Joaquin Phoenix gives shout-out to Heath Ledger in SAG Awards speech
4 years, 11 months ago
Joaquin Phoenix on Joker leading Oscars 2020 nominations: Honoured by the Academy's recognition
4 years, 11 months ago
Joaquin Phoenix wins Best Actor for Joker at Golden Globes 2020: The ascent after the descent
5 years ago
Joaquin Phoenix calls for action on climate in Golden Globe speech for ‘Joker’ win
5 years ago
"Joker" does not deserve its Golden Globe nominations (except for one)
5 years, 1 month ago
Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips may reunite for Joker sequel
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Joaquin Phoenix-starrer \'Joker\' set to mint USD 1 billion globally
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Joker director Todd Phillips details what sequel should look like: 'It couldn’t just be wild and crazy'
5 years, 1 month ago
Joaquin Phoenix teases possibility of a "Joker" sequel
5 years, 2 months ago
Will there be a ‘Joker’ sequel? Joaquin Phoenix shares his thoughts
5 years, 2 months ago
Marvel writer Dan Slott doubles down on criticism of Joker after calling Joaquin Phoenix starrer a 'bad movie'
5 years, 2 months ago
Joaquin Phoenix's Joker box office collection in India: Day 12
5 years, 2 months ago
Joker: A brilliant Joaquin Phoenix performance fails to redeem this confused, shallow origin story
5 years, 2 months ago
Todd Phillips' Joker straddles genres of psychological realism and superhero fantasy — therein lies its flaw
5 years, 3 months ago
Joaquin Phoenix surprises audience at Joker screening
5 years, 3 months ago
Joker: Phoenix portrayal is neither a masterpiece for the ages nor a danger to society
5 years, 3 months ago
‘Joker’ ending explained: Director Todd Phillips on fan theories and open questions
5 years, 3 months ago
‘Joker’ gives a comic book villain a grown-up, nihilistic spin
5 years, 3 months ago
Is ‘Joker’ a dangerous movie? Our critics have it out
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Joker box office collection Day 1: Joaquin Phoenix film opens well
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Review: Funny how? In ‘Joker’ a villain turns ‘70s anti-hero
5 years, 3 months ago
Joker movie review: Joaquin Phoenix mesmerises in Todd Phillips' entertaining but problematic treatment
5 years, 3 months ago
Joker Movie Review: Joaquin Phoenix gives performance of a lifetime in deeply disturbing film
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Joker review: A (Joaquin) Phoenix from the ashes
5 years, 3 months ago
A grin outlook: Rashid Irani reviews Joker
5 years, 3 months ago
Review: Joaquin Phoenix puts on quite a show in ‘Joker.’ And the portrait of madness is both bleak and glib
5 years, 3 months ago
Joker's Joaquin Phoenix and Todd Phillips address concerns over violence in new film
5 years, 3 months ago
Joaquin Phoenix on ‘Joker’ weight loss, dance and De Niro
5 years, 3 months ago
Before Joker with Joaquin Phoenix: How the iconic villain evolved over the years
5 years, 3 months ago
Joker: Families of Dark Knight shooting victims 'horrified' by Joaquin Phoenix movie
5 years, 3 months ago
Joaquin Phoenix reacts over question on \'Joker\' instigating violence
5 years, 3 months ago
Joaquin Phoenix walks off "Joker" interview after question about film inciting violence
5 years, 3 months ago
Joker director Todd Phillips explains why Joaquin Phoenix's character won't appear in DC Universe films
5 years, 3 months ago
TIFF 2019: Joaquin Phoenix’s crazy, disturbing, brilliant Joker will get Oscar
5 years, 3 months ago
Joker: Joaquin Phoenix movie gets eight-minute standing ovation at Venice premiere
5 years, 4 months ago

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