However, the film has also been on the receiving end of major backlash. Many have called the film “irresponsible”, one that “glorifies violence” and “celebrates” a character who blames the world for his problems. There were a number of people who also labelled the film a “Citizen Kane for incels.” I personally push back on that criticism. While I understand why the film can be a little problematic, I also think there’s enough nuance and depth in the screenplay that shows us that the character isn’t someone cool or to be idolized. Having said that, I also think a lot of the problems lie with the director, Todd Phillips, who’s doing a terrible job of talking about his film. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Phillips had this to say:
His comments have enraged plenty of film journalists and movie lovers in general, understandably so. First of all, over the past few years, we’ve seen really good comedies like Booksmart, Game Night and Eighth Grade, all of which are arguably miles better than his Hangover sequels. There are also comedy TV series like BoJack Horseman and Rick and Morty that are constantly pushing the boundaries. Phillips has made a groundbreaking film in Joker, but through his interviews, he comes off as both arrogant and grossly ignorant. Check out some of the reactions online:
— Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) October 1, 2019 https://twitter.com/Lexialex/status/1179041404384792578?s=20 https://twitter.com/Lexialex/status/1179041404384792578?s=20 https://twitter.com/SassyMamainLA/status/1179093786019823616?s=20
— Scott Tobias (@scott_tobias) October 1, 2019
You were lazy. Comedy kept moving, because comedy always keeps moving. You couldn’t keep up, on account of how you are a lazy fuck. @OhNoSheTwitnt hits harder than one of your movies every goddamn day and she’s doing this in her spare time at work. https://t.co/IyJObTcZpY — Quinn Cummings (@quinncy) October 1, 2019 https://twitter.com/Runninfar1/status/1179152416140341255 This comes at the heels of the director comparing the film to John Wick. This doesn’t quite make sense and has caused many to question if Phillips even understands his own film. Comparing John Wick to Joker is like comparing Die Hard to Taxi Driver or something along those lines. The reason why a lot of people are wary of Joker isn’t that it’s violent. It isn’t about the amount of blood that’s spilt or the body count. It’s the way the character is framed (i.e. is he framed as someone who should be looked up to?), it’s whether or not the character is indicted by the end of the film (in the eyes of the audience). And that’s what Todd Phillips doesn’t seem to understand, at least judging by his interviews. If he doesn’t agree with the pushback, shouldn’t he be talking about the nuances and texture of the film instead? Just to be clear, I personally find the film an absolute work of art. You can click here to read my review of the film. Joker is currently out in Malaysian cinemas.
