Theater prior to early screening The Xavierite
Spoilers lie ahead!
On Sept. 30 “Joker: Folie à Deux” had early IMAX screenings around the world. Contrary to popular belief, I believed the film was phenomenal.
With it being a Monday night, there wasn’t much of a crowd. However, those in attendance were blown away by the film.
The film began with a cartoon reminiscent of “Looney Tunes.” Although the audience laughed, I was immediately able to pick up that there was a deep meaning to it. The cartoon essentially consisted of Joker arguing with an invisible force and going out into public.
I believe that the invisible force represents Arthur, who isn’t seen by society. However, once he puts on the Joker makeup, everybody knows who he is and what he is capable of.
Shortly after, we got to see Joker in the flesh, and the audience including myself gasped after seeing Joaquin Phoenix’s horrific body transformation.
Meanwhile, Lady Gaga proved herself to be Harley Quinn. Her performance was outstanding, and her singing was even better. I was mind blown, seeing the synergy between the two.
Music was a massive part of the film, with dreamy scenes being theatrical. I found it to be fitting, especially since the Joker and Harley were mentally unwell, but felt on top of the world.
The film featured breathtaking cinematography. Although the colors of Gotham might seem bland, the Joker brought contrasting color to the screen whenever he appeared. Whenever the Joker dreamed of Harley, the stages would be brightly colored in a way that reminded me of “La La Land.”
The story was brilliant, focusing on the trial of the Joker after his actions in the previous film. There were many unexpected turns along the way, such as the Joker firing his own lawyer, and the bombing during the verdict. Perhaps the thing I found most unexpected was the performance of Leigh Gill as Gary.
Gill proved himself to be perhaps the most underrated actor of the year. As he sat face to face with the Joker, the fear he portrayed felt incredibly real. Additionally, the script he read from was genius. It captivated me, and as I walked out of the theater I overheard many people say that he deserves some kind of award.
The only complaint that I had, that audience members agreed with, was that the Joker died. He was stabbed to death by another inmate, who is most likely going to become the next Joker. I saw it hinted at throughout the film, particularly due to the constant laughing.
The way that this film was created was spectacular to me, and due to this it has become one of my favorite films of all time.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” is playing in theaters.