The newest talk of the globe is the cinematic masterpiece directed by Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver. Joker (2019) is wild, it is gritty, and it is a visual treat for connoisseurs. It is a rousing statement against the evils of capitalism and a morally corrupt society. But as it does with all pop-culture phenomenon, the popularity has caused the film to become too mainstream. Now, I don’t say that mainstream is bad. All i humbly beg to say is that Pakistanis have no concept of differentiation between mainstream and G-rated movies when the movie in question is trending. I have personally seen many 12 and 14 year old sitting in the theatre with their parents and the horrified mothers later claiming that the movie was too dark for kids. Don’t blame the weather if you didn’t bring an umbrella. Because this movie definitely makes it rain!
Speaking of common sense, the disturbing “As kids we idolize heroes, as adults we understand the villains” rhetoric has risen up again. The local movie buffs and the so-called DC die-hards have staked a sole proprietorship to the character and the actor. Yes, we know you relate to the Joker, epic-taste-in-movies–definitely-better-than-you lad! You also make up a whole romantic scenario with a woman after obsessively stalking her and then get mad when she doesn’t reciprocate. The obsession that men have with going gaga and jumping everyone in sight over the slightest insult is mind-boggling to me. Do you all not do that already?
No my fellow Pakistanis, you do not understand the villain. You are the ones who cut funding from mental health programs and deny that psychological problems exist. You harass women and then abuse their defendants. You are the ones Arthur Fleck shoots through the head. You are the ones who force a man to become a joker. Or are we all collectively ignoring the everyday protests in front of our courts and hospitals now? Either way, it is a great movie. Joaquin Phoenix has once again proven his mettle as a legendary actor. Love the movie, rewatch it, cherish it as a treat. But don’t bring it home with you. You might not like the role you play.
Image Sources: www.facebook.com/jokermovie
