Joker 2019

Overview

Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver. The film is based on DC Comics characters and serves as an origin story for the title character. Set in 1981, the narrative follows Arthur Fleck, a man who works as a party clown and aspires to be a stand-up comedian. Arthur lives in Gotham City with his mother, Penny, in an environment characterized by pervasive crime. As the story progresses, the failed comedian is driven to insanity. He eventually turns to a life of crime and chaos, transforming into an infamous psychopathic crime figure. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role. The production was released on October 4, 2019. It explores the descent of its protagonist within the setting of Gotham City during the 1980s. The film has been discussed in relation to previous portrayals of the Joker character within the broader history of live-action cinema.