Joker

What is it?

Joker is a US feature film that presents the origin story of the iconic villain from the DC Comics universe of characters. The film is set in the fictional city of Gotham but the gritty real-world tone is reminiscent of crime thrillers and dramas from the 1970’s. Psychologically damaged Arthur Fleck is a clown-for-hire by day who aspires to be a stand-up comic like his idol, late night TV host Murray Franklin. Unfortunately for Arthur the joke always seems to be on him and the seemingly never-ending episodes of indignities he experiences lead to the violent birth of his alter ego – Joker.

What to expect

The dominant effect of Joker is a predictable but stylish origin story that is notable for a strong central performance. The film re-imagines the iconic villain as a sympathetic disenfranchised loner, and whilst it touches on serious issues such as mental illness, social isolation, childhood trauma, and suicidal ideation it never explores them in any meaningful way.

The unrestricted availability of the film is likely to be injurious to the public due to its depiction of violence, cruelty, crime and offensive language. The regular depictions of cruelty and the spikes of realistically depicted violence, including one scene that is particularly bloody and graphic, are likely to shock and disturb younger viewers. Exposure to the extent and degree of this material which is presented in a manner intended to be entertaining is also likely to have a desensitising effect. The presence of highly offensive language also supports a restriction to older audiences.

A high level of maturity is required to understand the sympathetic presentation of Arthur and the problematic glorification of his conduct. Young and impressionable viewers may interpret the film as condoning violence in certain circumstances. Older teenagers and adults are likely to have the maturity to recognise the film as a reinvention of an iconic comic-book villain as a traumatised and psychologically disturbed individual who finds solace in violence.