The «Joker», as disturbing as it is breathtaking

Visit Joker Todd Phillips« »The Joker" tells the story of Arthur Fleck's gradual fall into the abyss of madness. Joaquin Phoenix splendidly embodies the role of one of the most complex characters in the DC Comics universe.

A filthy checkroom with a table in the middle and a large mirror. A man puts on clown make-up. Close-up on his lips as he tries to smile as best he can: Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix). From the very first seconds, the character's duality is clear. Between his smile and the sadness evident on his face, between the person and his reflection in the mirror, between the man and the clown. Arthur Fleck is constantly portrayed as a tightrope walker on the rope of reason, ready to topple at any moment into the void of madness.

This constant tension crosses the screen and takes hold of us, viewers. The Joker makes us oscillate between disgust, embarrassment and empathy. It's a sincere attachment we feel when he's beaten senseless or when he expresses for no reason, or when he expresses the pain of feeling invisible to society. At times, it's like seeing a child in an adult's body. And then, suddenly suddenly, he starts laughing... A laugh that starts out surprising and amusing, then becomes heavier and heavier, to the point of discomfort. The more he laughs, the more frightening frightening. His laughter becomes that of a madman.

Knock Knock

The film shows us Arthur Fleck's slow mental breakdown. From a of unhappiness, where days go by with their share of mockery and mockery and aggression, we finally reach a point of no return. An event when he comes home from work disguised as a clown. in the eyes of the world. So it's only natural that he gradually creates his identity his identity through the figure of the clown. This funny and extravagant extravagant character, straddling the worlds of childhood and adulthood. The more his psychosis grows, the more the film allows us to get inside his head - and it's chilling. and it's chilling.

First and foremost, it was actor Joaquin Phoenix who had to get inside the Joker's head. Many actors have tried before him, from Cesar Romeo (Batman 1966) to Jared Leto (Suicide squad 2016), and Jack Nicholson (Batman 1989). Some excelled, others less so; Heath Ledger even met a tragic end. This is a very dark and ambiguous character, full of violence and surprise. One thing's for sure, though: Joaquin Phoenix knows how to tame him, and his performance will leave a lasting impression.

A role that fits like a glove

The actor's physical transformation is astonishing. His skeletal, misshapen body resonates wonderfully with his character's dysfunctional mentality. His gaze, at once empty and intense, is enhanced by close-ups in which the actor is no longer dissociated from the character. His voice (VO), as low-toned as that of the film, hypnotizes. But it's above all his chilling laughter that refines the character so often associated with his smile. And what better actor than the one who already bears a scar?

This is a tour de force. The magnificence of the character would probably not be such without the absolutely stunning photography. The wide shots let the Joker's madness shine through, particularly during his many dances. The colors add depth and atmosphere to the image. The framing and camera movements are not to be outdone, as they convey the character's interiority: oblique, disturbing and without reference points.

As for the pace, it may seem relatively slow, but it's necessary for the character's development; you don't become the Joker in a snap of the fingers! We applaud the decision not to turn this film into a blockbuster where everything explodes and roles are caricatured, as has been the case all too often. The slow pace allows the tension to build to a climax...and when it finally erupts, it comes as a shock. This is a spectacular film that deserves our full attention.

You have just read an article from our JOKER folder contained in Le Regard Libre N°60.