This Ain't No Cesar Romero

The title of today's entry says it all.   If you are thinking this Joker is anything like he was in those fun Adam West "Batman" reruns, you clearly have missed the reviews.  Because Todd Phillips' "Joker" is as dark a movie as you can find anywhere.  Indeed, the only smile in this film is the one drawn on the Joker's face.

I am told that this movie, which is all about the back story on how Joker became...well...Joker, is pretty true to the DC comics that created the character.   It's all about this loser named Arthur Fleck, who is one of those clowns (literally) who stands on a street corner twirling a sign.  Fleck has all the earmarks of a screwed-up life, from an invalid mom he lives with to a tic that prompts him to laugh uncontrollably for no reason.

Life sucks for Fleck and where he lives is not helping.  Gotham City, which looks a lot like the graffiti-laden New York of the late 70s, is a hell hole and the upcoming Mayoral election campaign doesn't seem like it will make things better.   You see, the guy running is one of those millionaire fat cats named Thomas Wayne.  Hmmm.  Yes, he does have a small son named Bruce.

Along with some significant anger management issues, Arthur is trying unsuccessfully to juggle a career as a subway vigilante and stand up comic.  With regard to the latter, his lifelong dream is to be on the show that very much resembles the old "Tonight Show" with Robert DeNiro as a host who very much resembles the character DeNiro played years back in "The King of Comedy."

If I am going too fast, trust me.  The movie takes things much, much, much slower.   It really gives you a chance to linger with every grim scenario it brings up.  And that's not always a good thing.   There has been some violence at theaters showing "Joker," but, luckily, my screening only had a couple making out next to me.   They left midway through the movie.

At the core of this all is a tour de force (or farce) performance by Joaquin Phoenix, who is bucking for an Oscar.   Of course, I question where the craziness ends and Phoenix begins, because I hear he's a bit nutty in real life. Whatever.  He milks every screen second in a role that takes him from violent madness to dancing down the same Bronx steps that Rhoda Morgenstern ran up to her wedding.

Since "Joker" is essentially a character study, it does take its time and probably could have lost another 20 minutes or so to the cutting room floor.  I liked it, even though I don't know why.   I can tell you one thing right from the get go.  "Joker" is one movie you see and then not see again.   One time is plenty.   Lots of insanity and violence will do that to a movie goer.

LEN'S RATING:  Three stars.

Dinner last night:  Went to a premiere so just some popcorn.