Featuring a fully-immersed performance by Joaquin Phoenix as the lead, Todd Phillips’ Joker is a gripping portrayal of one of the most popular comic-book villains that will ultimately become Batman’s nemesis. Arthur Fleck is a man tormented by his inner unsettling feelings. As he struggles to make a living as a clown, he finds his hero in talk show host Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro) whom he begins to idealise.

After Heath Ledger immortalized the Joker in his Oscar-winning performance in Dark Knight, Phoenix obviously had a tough act to follow. But with his career-defining performance in the Todd Phillips’ directorial, Phoenix certainly proves his remarkable skill and genius.

Written by Todd Phillips and Silver Scott, the Scorsese universe (King of Comedy and Taxi Driver) Joker exists in is dark and brutal. The Joker uses his laugh to register his protest and, in a twisted way, cope with his unbearable life that is devoid of a safe sanctuary. He tends to his sick mother (Frances Conroy) and faces up virtually everyday to his unfulfilled dream of being a successful stand up comedian.

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