I saw the Joker recently, have you gotten a chance to see this movie?
No, I haven't. What did you think of it?
I am surprised, I went into the film expecting to dislike it, but I thought it was amazing.
Oh, why didn't you think you would like the movie?
I do not typically enjoy superhero films, but I think this one was grounded in a kind of realism that separates it from other Marvel and DC films.
How so?
The Joker is largely a commentary on the stigma and lack of treatment for people suffering with mental health issues. It also features some commentary on wealth and social inequality.
Which of those items do you think the film did the best?
In my opinion, the way the movie categorizes the protagonist as a mentally-ill victim of abuse creates a realistic character. He is someone mad at the world, but I don't think his anger is unjustified, just misdirected.
If the movie is realistic, how does it relate to the comic books it is based on?
It takes the premise of the Batman Killing Joke and reverses who is affected by the book's central conceit.
Can you tell me more about the influence of the comics here?
In that comic, the idea is that one super awful day can change a person. This is what happens to Arthur who then becomes the Joker. In addition to that, the Wayne family is depicted as being a wealthy and powerful force over the city.
So this is different from many Marvel films where they follow the plots of the books closely?
I would say yes, and I think the Joker benefits from that.
Other than the characters, what else do you like about the movie?
The cinematography is interesting too, the way that Arthur is framed on-screen reflects both his anger and his delusions.
I think that's something that not enough people comment on when they go to the movies. Can you say more about the cinematography here?
Yes, I think the lightning and slanted angles the world is depicted in let the viewer know that this man veers away from reality. I think it helps the viewer gain insight as to how he perceives the world.
I've got one final question because I keep hearing people say this: do you think this movie is Oscar bait?
I think the violence and biting social commentary do not make any concessions. I do not think this is what most people think of when they think of Hollywood films, and for that reason, I would answer no to your question.
Thank you for having this conversation with me. I definitely missed out on this film.