“JOKER” | 2019 Film Analysis Joaquin Phoenix

“JOKER” | 2019 | Joaquin Phoenix | 15yrs+
TRIGGER WARNINGS - abuse, trauma, bullying, murder

An Autistic, Neurodivergent & Mental Health critical film PERSPECTIVE from one of last year’s most discussed and controversial film; JOKER

This was the first time I had watched this movie and it took me three sittings to complete it due to its traumatic content.

The Joker "Villian" archetype from the 70s- until now has been reduced to just that...a mindless Criminal. In this latest rendition, I analyze the film from a socio-political and neurodivergent perspective.

I'm looking at HOW Arthur became the Joker. And if the film helps the plight of people who are "mentally ill" or whether it creates more fear around victims of trauma or neurodiverse people?

For me, towards the finale...the film crosses a line "Do you know what you get when you invite lonely mentally ill people?...You get what you deserve" I'm lonely and mentally ill in people's eyes but im not shooting people or on a rampage.

So what will the audience take away from this? Will they idenitfy the complex mix of environmental, social, domestic, systemic government failures of Gotham City?

Or will they use Arthur's trauma and continue to blame the individual, to further see us as a threat?

Reviewed on 18th February 2020 by
Sara Jane Harvey (Agony Autie) during her house rest & sabbatical from autistic advocacy & public speaking.

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BA Hons Film, Media & Culture Lancaster University 2005-2009