Salutations my wonderful Hoot readers!!!! I hope you had amazing summers. Mine went by very fast, but I still had time to rewatch one of my favorite films, “Joker” (2019). It’s an embarrassing favorite, but was instrumental in shaping my “chill guy that likes problematic media” persona. Like “Taxi Driver” (1976), which heavily inspires this film, I find it strangely comforting. A portion of this comfort certainly derives from pre-COVID nostalgia, but there’s something else there that should probably be looked at by a professional. Anyway, this semester’s been crazy already, so I thought I’d start simple by describing my favorite “Joker” characters in no particular order. Here. We. Go. Spoilers ahead.

 

• Arthur Fleck

Joker himself, the main character. Joaquin Phoenix gives an Oscar-winning performance as a loner with severe mental illness who has been mistreated by *society* his entire life. Arthur’s descent into madness is methodically unraveled over the course of the film so that the viewer can empathize with him and understand his actions. It’s heartbreaking, upsetting, yet riveting to watch. I won’t be able to describe any other character without mentioning him, so I’ll keep this short.

 

• Penny Fleck

Penny is Arthur’s mother, whom he lives with and takes care of when he’s not working as a clown. She’s part of the problem. She’s also a victim. And she may have had Arthur with Thomas Wayne? Who knows! Personally, I find her presence a bit suffocating. 

 

• Murray Franklin 

The perfect way to pay homage to “Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy” (1982) was casting Robert DeNiro as Arthur’s idol turned nemesis, Murray Franklin. Don’t meet your heroes, folks! Murray represents everything wrong with society; he’s arrogant, cruel for making fun of Arthur and totally ignorant to the suffering of the masses. As Arthur’s late-night talk show host hero, he provides the perfect symbol (and platform) through which he can display his discontent. 

 

Did Murray get what he fucking deserved? According to Arthur, yes. Though I’d like you to know that I think murder is extremely bad! Arthur was high-key problematic for committing murder and you really shouldn’t do it. ‘Nuff said. #bravery #speakup

 

• Gene Ufland

The one person in this movie with a brain. Played by the brilliant Marc Maron, Gene works for Murray and is rightfully suspicious of Arthur appearing on his show in full clown makeup as clown-themed riots ensue. If Murray had listened to Gene, Arthur’s plot would’ve been foiled. Always hear out the skeptic and don’t platform deranged clowns. Except if their name is Zach Duvel. That’s a clown worth platforming.

 

• Gary

Gary, Arthur’s co-worker, surviving this movie is a testament to the power of good karma. Despite being bullied by his coworkers, he never stopped treating others, including Arthur, nicely. This being the reason for Arthur sparing his life (immediately after brutally murdering another co-worker) is fairly unambiguous in the message it sends. I show kindness to others because that’s how I was raised, but I suppose watching someone avoid brutal murder by the Joker would do the trick as well. Be more like Gary. The world needs more Garys.

 

• Thomas Wayne

And the Worst Political Instincts of the Year Award goes to… Thomas Wayne!!! C’mon man, why as a rich mayoral candidate, would you disparage the entire working class as clowns?!?!? He definitely got what he fucking deserved. Not that anyone actually deserves his fate, but he did more than anyone (besides Arthur) to incite violent clown-themed social unrest in Gotham. FAFO.

 

• Me (and probably you, but I’ll speak for myself)

 

We can all see a little bit of ourselves in this film. I know, I know, this movie isn’t that deep and it’s become cringe to think it has any value, but I urge you to reassess. I suppose I’m an incel for even seeing a shred of myself reflected in this film. Let’s be honest though: Arthur’s in all of us. He’s a reflection of our worst impulses and what we’d do if pushed to our breaking point. However, I don’t want to speak for all of you. We live in a *society* (had to get that in lol) of varying norms, values and expectations. To project my perspective onto you would be wrong. Personally, I’d be lying if I said Arthur’s screed on the Murray Franklin Show didn’t resonate with me a little bit. Arthur is right that (some) people ARE awful. We’re often unempathetic, cold, selfish, lazy and appear incapable of coexisting with one another. I go online and all I see is fighting, fighting and more fighting. Instead of appreciating one another, we tear each other down for the slightest offense. That’s not to say there aren’t genuine offenses. Fascism is knocking at the door and so many will gleefully accept it and the suffering it brings to people they do not know or understand. This is only scratching the surface of what’s wrong. Like why are we so sad all the time? There’s always something to be sad or angry about, I can’t keep track, but this isn’t to say these emotions aren’t unwarranted! There is so much pain in this world. But for how long are we supposed to feel this monotonous sadness??? If life is truly one sad occurrence after another, it’s no wonder that the downtrodden and mistreated of the world, the Arthur Flecks of the world, might snap. Under this point of view, the movement Arthur inspires at the end of the film is truly beautiful. The masses of Gotham triumphantly choose to dawn their grinning clown masks and exact much deserved revenge. In this world of monotonous sadness, it shouldn’t be wrong for you to put on a happy face and take what’s yours as well. There is an escape. Take it.

 

• Sophie Dumond

…well that just happened!!! Awkwaaaaaaaaaaaaard. So, I love Zazie Beetz’ performance as Sophie, Arthur’s love interest (not really). She’s a sympathetic character as a single mother in the slowly decaying Gotham City. Sophie doesn’t deserve to be stalked or obsessed over by Arthur, but their shared experience of being neglected by society binds them in the overall narrative. Her imaginary companionship is an effective indicator that Arthur’s loneliness is not voluntary and that he, like most, craves affection. It’s basically “Looking For Somebody (To Love)” by The 1975 (HAD TO GET IN A MATTY HEALY REFERENCE, I’M SO SORRY). To be clear, she is absolutely the victim here and her inclusion highlights the constant suffering of women (especially women of color) in our *society*.

 

• The Gotham City Budget

The real tragic figure of this film. Arthur’s city-provided therapist being fired due to budget cuts is a massive turning point in the plot. Without her, Arthur has no therapeutic outlet and more crucially, no one to prescribe him his medication. The pace of his mental decline heightens significantly after he loses access to his meds. Therefore, I believe the clearest possible message of “Joker” is to fund public services. They make a difference!!! Your tax money can help prevent the real-life Joker from being created!!! Pay up.

 

• Charlie Chaplin

Also not technically a character, but incredibly important. His song “Smile” is used during a montage and I’ve felt very connected to it lately. I find that in the midst of life’s sad monotony, I always have something to smile about, for I am very lucky. That something is you, of course. All three trillion of you (no need to fact check that). People may be awful, but you’re not. The depravity of the world may be all too apparent, but so can its goodness, if you look for it. Arthur teaches us that the revolution can start with one person, so I need you to keep trudging along. To quote the song, “You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile”. This may appear dismissive of your problems and pain, but I know I can’t fix those by myself. What I do know is that I can treat you with kindness, respect and most importantly, support. At the very very least, I can greet you with a smile. I love “Joker” and I love you, my dear readers. Good luck this semester and don’t forget to smile today!