No Joke: Joker could be the best movie of 2019
The news of a standalone Joker movie left many hardcore DC fans uncertain but after seeing the first teaser, those doubts were quickly extinguished. Not only does Joaquin Phoenix portray Joker in an all-new light, the movie also introduces us to a gritty and raw Gotham; intriguing, dark, and full of mystery.
At the 76th Venice Film Festival, Joker raked in an array of overwhelmingly positive reviews including an 8-minute standing ovation. Critics praised Phoenix for his dark and twisted portrayal of the super villain and minutes after the press’ sneak peek, reviews started rolling in with IGN giving Joker its first 10/10 and Empire bestowing a 5/5 honor.
Critics even took to the streets to announce how great Joker was
Crowd at #Venezia76 went absolutely ballistic for #JOKER. Film is dark, sick, twisted. I’m with a crowd of fellow critics right now, running through the streets of Venice just screaming. Hollering. My legs are tired. We’ve been doing this for hours. Joaquin is an Oscar contender
— Ben Mekler (@benmekler) August 31, 2019
And the verdict was unanimous
I’ve seen #Joker and I fully endorse @JimVejvoda’s decision to give it our first film review 10/10 of the year. I haven’t stopped thinking about it. https://t.co/DjD1hi8LFm
— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) August 31, 2019
I saw #Joker — and it is unlike anything before it. The movie is dark, thrilling, and chilling. An insane masterpiece.
The movie absolutely transcends being a comic book film and acts as a character study which, at times, will make audiences uncomfortable in wild ways. 10/10 pic.twitter.com/2B2mCkzbZy
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) August 31, 2019
Many spotted the Scorsese influence
JOKER is a bold, bodacious love letter to Scorsese's #TheKingOfComedy, told through the lens of DC's most iconic villain. Dark, disturbing, brutal & sad, it's about an abused man who doesn't start living until he's dead inside. Joaquin Phoenix is so damn good #JokerMovie pic.twitter.com/WCk1Ya4FFG
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) August 31, 2019
And it seems like Joker is on it's way to being a full-blown Oscar contender
Shot by shot #Joker will be remembered for a long time. From Joaquin Phoenix’s pure physical skill to rich storytelling that reminds us how monsters are made when humanity fails. Give that man an Oscar 🤡.
— Ariston (@Aristonla) August 31, 2019
Joaquin Phoenix absolutely deserves an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in #Joker — and he might just take the trophy home. pic.twitter.com/Xh7VpWoLBj
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) August 31, 2019
Joaquin Phoenix's performance in #JokerMovie is nothing short of Oscar-worthy. He fully commits to the role mentally and physically. Todd Phillips delivered a game-changing comic book film, and I cannot wait to see it again. #Joker pic.twitter.com/cnrL9bsdR2
— Michael Parks (@DorianParksnRec) August 31, 2019
A watershed moment in cinematic history
#JokerMovie is the type of film that defines an actor's career, type of role & character that comes once in a lifetime. Heath Ledger's #Joker redefined the character, but Phoenix cements it as one of the greatest, darkest villains in cinematic history. All hail Joaquin Phoenix!
— International Film Critique (@IntFilmCritique) August 31, 2019
Ultimately, as twisted as it is, I think JOKER is about finding your purpose. That sometimes it’s hard to believe in anything until someone believes in you#JokerMovie pic.twitter.com/WAdHY9Lm0I
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) August 31, 2019
Director Todd Philips, influenced by the likes of Taxi Driver & The King of Comedy, has envisioned a new and complex character set in a darker version of the beloved Gotham. And we cannot wait to see it.
Joaquin Phoenix's Joker releases across VOX Cinemas (including IMAX) on 3 October. Bookmark this page and watch this space for updates on advance ticket sales.