Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott SIlver.
It is the first live-action theatrical Batman film to receive an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America, due to its violent and disturbing content.
Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker. A failed stand-up comedian disregarded by society who is driven insane and becomes a psychopathic criminal mastermind.
Frances Conroy as Penny Fleck. Arthur's mentally and physically ill mother, who formely worked for Thomas Wayne. Arthur bathing and dutifully feeding his mother, keeping her company in their ratty apartment.
One day Arthur reads one of her letters before sending it out for her, and it's revealed that she's asking Thomas Wayne for help because Arthur is their son, a product of an affair they had all those years ago. (The movie is trying to tell us that Joker and Batman were half brothers.)
Arthur confront Thomas Wayne at a charity event in the bathroom. Here, Thomas tells him the real story, that Penny was delusional and that Arthur was adopted.
Delusional disorder, previously called paranoid disorder, is a type of serious mental illness called a psychotic disorder. People who have it can't tell what's real from what is imagined. (webmd website)
In denial, Arthur visits Arkham State Hospital and steals Penny's case file: The file says Penny adopted Arthur as a baby and allowed her abusive boyfriend to harm them both.
Penny alleged that Thomas used his influence to fabricate the adoption and commit her to the asylum to hide their affair. Distraught, Arthur goes to the hospital and kills Penny.
(Distraught is someone that is very troubled, confused or has gone crazy.)
Knowing he can't trust a word his mother says, Arthur decides to kill her. He calmly places a pillow over her mother face, applying pressure in order to suffocate her.
Joker's uncontrollable laugh is attributed to an illness but also seems to be a reaction, side effect of a past brain injury.
The movie never names what specific illnesses but it's likely based on real disorder called pseudobulbar affect.
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a condition that causes episodes of sudden, uncontrollable and inappropriate episodes of crying or laughing.
His face always seems to be carrying the burden of mental and physical pain, even when he forces a smile.
Director Todd Phillips said that he intentionally left it ambiguous as to whether Arthur becomes the actual Joker as seen in traditional Batman stories or inspires a separate character.
Joaquin Phoenix performance was praised, the dark tone, portrayal of mental illness and the villain finally gets a name - Arthur Fleck.
Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros. /Todd Phillips Instagram
