'The worst part of having a mental illness is people expect you to behave as if you don't'.

It's time to put on a happy face as THCC review one of the most controversial films of our time, 2019's JOKER!

Starring Joaquin Phoenix as a new rendition of the infamous Clown Prince of Crime, the film follows failed clown and aspiring comedian Arthur Fleck in a decaying 1980s Gotham City, whose descent into mental illness and nihilism sparks a violent revolution against the rich and power.

Since its release, Joker has been the subject of much discussion within contemporary cinema, with debates over its themes, messages and depictions of mental health and violence. Is Arthur a representation of the modern day incel community? Does the film glorify a homicidal maniac? Is this a cautionary tale of society’s perception of those with mental illness?

On this episode we delve into those questions and what Joker is really about, as well as discussing the performances, parallels to other films and how the cinematography illustrates a class divided Gotham City.

Ben Debney, 'Liberals, Class and the Joker Complex', Counter Punch, (Oct 2019)

https://www.counterpunch.org/2019/10/11/liberals-class-and-the-joker-complex/

Jim Geraghty, 'Burning It All Down, Nihilism, and the Joker', National Review, (2020)

https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/burning-it-all-down-nihilism-and-the-joker/

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