Joker Put a Smile on My Face

Did you know that 70 lakh people die of tobacco every year? That's first of the many spoilers ahead. The 'statutory warning' shares equal space with Joaquin Phoenix on screen. Apparently, there's not a scene without him (and the warning). Watch Joker in India, and the joke is on you.

Foreign films aren't made in two parts—something our theatre guys should learn. There's a major plot twist in the scene post interval that springs up without a prelude. For those who watched already, it's that scene where Arthur in hospital watches Murray play his video. An interval after that scene would've given that perfect desi two-halves feel. Zoom in on Arthur's startled face—whoosh and Intermission.

Joker is a DC tribute to Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times. Set in a dystopian Gotham City, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is an unsuccessful comedian with a mental disorder. He soon learns his life was full of lies to become the Joker. Joker is all about Joaquin Phoenix, although he's got something new to offer in every frame. Don't be surprised if you see a bit of yourself in him—you're not alone.

We follow the footsteps of Arthur all through the movie. We see what he sees and nothing more. The mystery around Arthur's birth lingers on after leaving the hall. There are theories but what you believe shapes your perception of Joker. Were Arthur's friends loyal to him? Again, it's what you believe. Your attitude towards the perceived reality makes you good or bad. What Arthur believed made him the Joker. Remember, there's always a choice between good and bad.

The gun debate

A gun lands Arthur in trouble, though he wasn't any better earlier. A friend gives Arthur the gun. Little did he know that would cost him a life. The gun made Arthur the Joker, who otherwise would kick trash cans when pissed off. When seen through the bipolar prism of good and bad, guns ought to be in the right hands. Who's right anyway? Do you keep up moral standards when confronted with danger? Or would you regret for not owning a gun? Ideals and survival are two different things. Gandhi was an idealist. Tom, Dick and Harry aren't, not to mention Joker.

A-political film

Thomas Wayne, the business tycoon who had once called the people 'clowns', runs for the Mayor to emancipate people's lives. Arthur kills 3 guys on train because they were 'awful.' Protesters inspired by the murder of 3 'rich' men wear Joker masks. While Arthur has no idea what he's doing with his life, he's hailed by the masked protesters as their leader. You know it's getting crazy out there when you have to choose between Thomas Wayne and Arthur Fleck. That wasn't a political statement.