Joker portrays a classic comic book character with a non comic book style

When everyone thinks of the term "comic book movie", they think of big battles, explosions, and special effects.  Joker doesn't follow that formula.  Instead it lets Joaquin Phoenix's creepy performance drive the film.  Joaquin Phoenix plays Arthur Fleck, who is detached from society and has mental and psychological issues. He previously played a character with the same traits in the film You Were Never Really Here. There are many scenes in which the audience isn't sure if his performance is supposed to be funny or chilling and that really works. His motivations are genuine but one bad situation after another drives him to madness.

Director Todd Philips comedy background helps this film with the darker jokes by putting a comedic spin on such heavy material. Its nice which actors and directors step out of their element. In this case it really works and shows Philips range as a director. The shots of Joaquin Phoenix during his monologues are disturbing and also mesmerizing.

This film is good for non comic book fans and people unfamiliar with the Joker character because its simply about a person who is the product of a toxic society. How mental illness is handled in Joker is very reflective of today's society with limited funding and lack of compassion. One of the first things that leads Arthur Fleck into his descent is his public therapist losing the public funding to counsel him and give him medication. His uncontrollable laughing is also met with fear and disgust from the public.  This take on the Joker is unique because it tells the story of a comic book character in a very non comic book way.  It also drops just enough hints and easter eggs for the more knowledgeable fans without alienating the majority of the audience. Let’s hope the Warner Bros take this approach with future DC comic movies. This is a must see. 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔