Why the debate around Joker is great for the genre

Joker is a film that has recently been on people’s minds because of some resemblance to real-life issues that some may think hit too close to home.

In the time before this film’s wide release, there has been a lot of talk surrounding it. Joker was awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the highest honor a film could receive at the event. Some have called it a masterpiece, with particular praise aimed at Joaquin Phoenix’s titular performance, while others believe this film could have a negative impact.

Entertainment Weekly refused to give it a grade in their review because its impact could potentially be dangerous. David Ehrlich of Indiewire called it the most exciting comic book film since The Dark Knight, but also called it potentially toxic:

Why Is This Film Controversial?

This is a polarizing time in the United States, especially with the subject of mental illness and mass murder. Joker’s portrayal of the main character, Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill man who commits acts of violence, rubs some the wrong way. The Washington Examiner’s Stephen Kent points out that Fleck’s character resembles the real-life mass murderer’s profiles. People have questioned whether a major Hollywood film should have the right to make a film like this during such delicate times.

Director Todd Phillips said that he was inspired by the character studies of the ’70s and wanted to mix those elements with the comic book genre and dive deep into a character like the Joker. He stated that the film wasn’t political, but that it all depends on the lens through which people view it. On the dark tone of the film, Phillips said the following:

"“I think movies are oftentimes mirrors of society, but never molders. We wrote it in 2017 so inevitably certain themes find their way in.”"

Why This Is Great For Comic Book Films

Comic book films have been dominating the box office for years now. Marvel and DC have both been thriving with their respective films, but some think there will be an inevitable collapse of the genre, or as some call it “superhero fatigue”.

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Joker, with its anticipated success and critical buzz, proves that the genre continues to be alive and kicking. It’s unheard of that a comic book film wins such a prestigious award at such a well-respected festival. It’s also surprising that a film starring a guy in clown makeup is causing so much debate when many have considered this genre to be simple escapism.

Marvel is the undisputed king of this genre but, since Disney is in charge, they would never release a film that could potentially offend so many people. Warner Bros. releases the films they want to release, and that especially is reflected in their comic book films. Phillips himself even said that “you can’t beat Marvel” and wanted to do something they couldn’t.  Phoenix said that he doesn’t care about the genre or budget but desires a filmmaker who has a unique vision.

With the 2010s seeing an explosion of comic book films, it’s fitting that Joker gets released at the tail end of the decade to challenge the audience who love these larger-than-life characters. There are an infinite amount of possibilities when it comes to telling different stories with pre-established characters that audiences are hungry for. Comic book stories and characters can be seen as the modern Shakespeare and Greek mythology, where captivating universal stories are constantly getting retold and re-interpreted in exciting, new ways.

Joker is the product of a unique creative vision in a sea of safe corporate escapism that has people talking. Hopefully, it can lead that risk-taking, energetic charge into the next decade.