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Joker is a 2019 psychological thriller movie directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, and Zazie Beetz. The movie tells the story of Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian who lives with his mother in Gotham City. Fleck suffers from a mental illness that causes him to laugh inappropriately, which earns him the nickname "Joker." As the story progresses, Fleck is pushed to the brink of madness by the harsh environment in Gotham City and the people around him. Eventually, he becomes the infamous villain that Batman will one day have to face.

At the heart of Joker is Joaquin Phoenix's incredible performance as Arthur Fleck. Phoenix lost over 50 pounds to play the role, giving him a gaunt, emaciated appearance that perfectly matches the character's fractured mental state. Fleck is a tragic figure, never quite fitting into society and always on the outside looking in. Phoenix's portrayal of the character is both sympathetic and horrifying, making the audience feel for him even as he descends into madness.

Robert De Niro plays Murray Franklin, a talk show host who becomes intertwined with Fleck's story. Beetz plays Sophie, a single mother who catches Fleck's eye. Both actors do an excellent job, but their roles are relatively small compared to Phoenix's. They serve to further Fleck's story and show the contrast between his perceived reality and the real world.

One of the most striking things about Joker is how it portrays mental illness. Fleck's struggle with his mental health is not romanticized or glorified. Instead, it is presented as a debilitating condition that affects everything from his relationships to his ability to hold down a job. The movie doesn't shy away from the consequences of untreated mental illness but doesn't use it as an excuse for Fleck's actions.

Joker also tackles the issue of social inequality. Fleck is a victim of society, largely due to his mental illness and his inability to fit in. He is failed by the healthcare system, law enforcement, and even the people around him. The movie shows how all these factors can push someone to a breaking point and create a dangerous situation.

The film's direction and cinematography are outstanding. Todd Phillips uses a gritty, realistic style that makes Gotham City feel like a real place. The camera work is often intimate, with close-ups of Phoenix's face that capture every nuance of his performance. The film's score is also exceptional, with a haunting theme that perfectly matches Fleck's descent into madness.

Joker is a dark and intense movie that may not be for everyone. The film's violence is brutal and realistic, and the subject matter may be too heavy for some viewers. However, it is a thought-provoking and powerful exploration of mental illness and social inequality. Joaquin Phoenix's performance is one of the best of the year, and the film is a reminder of just how good comic book movies can be when they take risks and push boundaries.

In conclusion, Joker is a deeply psychological, dark and thought-provoking movie that covers issues such as mental health and social inequality. The main character's portrayal by Joaquin Phoenix is powerful and captivating, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on viewers. The film's violent scenes may not be suitable for everyone, but its realistic approach to storytelling will definitely appeal to those looking for more depth and substance in their movies.

Joker is a 2019 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4 and a MetaScore of 59.