Joker (2019), directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, is one of the most talked-about films of recent years. Its portrayal of the iconic DC Comics villain as a complex, deeply troubled individual struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. What makes Joker particularly fascinating is how it draws from its inspirations—both in terms of historical events and psychological conditions—to craft its unsettling narrative.
The Influence of Martin Scorsese
One of the most apparent influences on Joker is the work of Martin Scorsese, particularly his films Taxi Driver (1976) and The King of Comedy (1982). Both films explore the heavy themes of isolation, mental illness, and the desire for recognition—elements that are central and incredibly evident within Arthur Fleck’s Joker transformation.
In Taxi Driver, Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes increasingly disconnected from reality as he descends into violence. The King of Comedy, on the other hand, features Robert De Niro as Rupert Pupkin, a delusional aspiring comedian who kidnaps a talk show host in a desperate bid for fame.
Joker borrows heavily from these films, with Phillips even casting Robert De Niro in a pivotal role as talk show host Murray Franklin (way to flip the script on an actor right?), a character that mirrors the hosts from both of Scorsese’s films. Arthur Fleck’s journey is reminiscent of Travis Bickle’s, while his obsession with becoming a successful comedian echoes Pupkin’s dreams.
The Psychology of Arthur Fleck
The character of Arthur Fleck is a case study of various mental illness’, and much of his portrayal is rooted in real psychological conditions. Arthur suffers from a condition known as Pseudobulbar affect (PBA), which causes uncontrollable, often times physically painful fits of laughter that are more often than not inappropriate to whichever situation they present themselves in. This disorder, combined with the history of his abuse and neglect, contributes to his alienation from society.
Joaquin Phoenix’s performance delves deep into the psychological trauma that Arthur experiences. Phoenix lost a significant amount of weight for the role, adding to the character’s frail and unsettling appearance. His portrayal is both empathetic and disturbing, as the audience witnesses Arthur’s gradual descent into utter joker like madness.
The film also touches on issues such as the stigmatization of mental illness and the failures of the healthcare system. Arthur’s struggle to receive help for his condition, coupled with his social isolation, reflects the real-life challenges faced by many individuals with mental health issues. The Gotham City depicted in Joker is a place where the vulnerable are ignored, and the downtrodden are left to fend for themselves—a setting that mirrors the gritty, urban landscapes of 1970s New York, further reinforcing the film’s real-world connections.
Societal Reflection and Political Parallels
Joker is not just a character study; it’s also a reflection of societal unrest. The film taps into contemporary issues such as economic inequality, the powerlessness felt by the marginalized, and the rage that can result from systemic neglect. These themes resonate strongly in the current socio-political climate, where wealth disparity and the erosion of social safety nets are hot-button issues.
The character of the Joker has always been a symbol of chaos in comics, but in the Joker movie, this chaos is depicted as a direct response to the failings of society. Arthur Fleck’s transformation into the Joker is catalysed by his personal suffering and the indifference of those around him. The film’s climax, where Arthur incites a riot in Gotham City, can be seen as an allegory for the broader societal unrest that occurs when the disenfranchised and mistreated people of society are pushed to their limits.
While some critics have expressed concern about the film potentially glorifying violence, others argue that Joker is a cautionary tale—a warning of what can happen when individuals are ignored and marginalized by society, when you overlook the simplicity of treating people the way you’d like to be treated. The film’s ambiguous stance on these issues has sparked significant debate, highlighting its relevance to current events.
Real-Life Inspirations Behind the Clown Prince of Crime
The Joker character itself has long been influenced by various real-life figures and events. One of the most cited inspirations is the character of the trickster or clown, which has roots in various cultures and histories. The Joker, as a figure who uses humour to mask pain and incite chaos, draws on this figure.
Conclusion
In Joker (2019), by drawing on the work of Martin Scorsese, exploring psychological disorders, and reflecting contemporary societal issues, the film presents a version of the Joker that is both terrifying and tragically human. This grounded approach to the character not only redefines the classic villain but also offers a stark commentary on the world we live in today, SOCIETY, as Arthur Fleck would say.