Phoenix on fire, but tough tale is no joke

Joker Sky Cinema Premiere ●●●●●

Every once in a while a comic book movie comes along that many claim will “redefine” the genre.

Some have lived up to that billing while others have just slightly tinkered with a familiar formula.

The remarkable Joker – my favourite film of last year – not only crumples up the blueprint, it tears it to pieces and stomps it into oblivion.

Forget spectacular set pieces, hero versus villain fisticuffs or knowing quips, this is an intense character study and eye-opening examination of mental health – and how others react to it.

Joker isn’t an easy watch – it’s darker than Batman hiding in a closet with his eyes shut – but this is gripping filmmaking that made me run a gauntlet of emotions.

What catches you even more off guard is that the movie is written and co-directed by hit-and-miss comedy helmer Todd Phillips.

Right from the off – through an old school introductory logo and opening credits – the early 80s setting is perfectly recaptured and expertly shot scenes include subtle nods to the titular character’s persona – a clown doll on the front of a desk, a big wheel in the background – and on-off tunnel darkness adding to a tense subway scene.

Phillips gets right to the heart of a Gotham City divided by a class war, wonderfully assisted by Hildur Guðnadóttir’s throbbing score and a stunning soundtrack.

And what of leading man Joaquin Phoenix? It can’t have been an easy decision for the 44-year-old to follow in the formidable footsteps of previous big screen Jokers Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger.

But believe the hype – Phoenix is tremendous; he moves his painfully skinny frame like a marionette, Phillips’ camera is never far from his emotionriddled face and I don’t think I’ve seen a better portrayal of a character spiralling out of control.

The test of time will tell if this is the best ever Joker but, for now, it’s hard to argue against it.

Robert De Niro’s performance and role are his best in years and though short of starry names, the supporting cast are all on-point. The final act is as exhilarating as it is disturbing and a perfect climax to what I feel should be a standalone tale, despite rumblings of a potential sequel.

Be aware going in that Joker isn’t your typical comic book flick and prepare yourself for one of the finest, most important movies of recent years.

● What are your thoughts on Joker? Hows does Phoenix’s performance compare with previous incarnations of the character?

Powerhouse performance Phoenix mesmerises as Joker