SPOILER WARNING: If you haven’t seen “Joker” be warned.
“Joker” has been out in wide release for a week and it remains an intensely hot topic. From moviegoers to Academy voters, “Joker” has provoked strong conversations and reactions have included everything from vitriol to the highest praise. Unfortunately misguided “controversies” of all shapes and sizes have popped up leading some people to talk more about them than this outstanding film.
The loudest of the “controversies” is the one claiming “Joker” celebrates, condones, encourages, inspires or at the very least gives a pass to the violence it depicts. This either comes from a strict and literal reading of the film or a negligence when it comes to examining the movie as a whole and wrestling with the themes it puts out there. Plainly put, “Joker” in no way promotes, champions, or excuses the violence it shows. Quite the opposite actually. It may be unsettling and difficult to digest. It may be too much for some audiences (which is understandable and respectable). But those things do not equal a pro-violence stance.
I’m convinced that much of this is drawn from the film’s ending and the different ways people have read it. Without question the way you interpret the ending of “Joker” can have a huge impact on how see the movie as a whole. For me there are several compelling ways of reading it (interestingly none of them condones or inspires violence). Here are three interpretations that I not only find highly plausible, but also critical to understanding what “Joker” is going for.
Reading 1 – This is the probably the most comic-booky reading but there is credibility to it. There have been several iterations of the Joker’s gang of henchman in the comics, the animated series, even the Batman films. At the end of “Joker” the battered Clown Prince is lifted up by a raucous crowd of violent protesters all donning clown masks. They place him on the hood of a car where he stands up like a messianic figure to their rapturous applause.
It makes sense to say this adoring group surrounding him is the first manifestation of Joker’s notorious gang. Everything about them fits the bill. It’s also important to note that Joker’s gang was never made up of fine upstanding individuals. They were thugs, murderers, the criminally insane, etc. So it goes without saying that these kinds of individuals lifting Joker up as their hero doesn’t mean the movie is doing the same thing. So in this reading Arthur is gone, Joker has taken over, and his gang of dangerous goons are ready to follow.
Reading 2 – Many have viewed the movie as heralding Joker as a hero, not just to the aforementioned miscreants who would become members of his gang, but to the disenfranchised and downtrodden of Gotham City. But does the hero interpretation really hold up? Toss aside the Joker Gang reading completely and look at it through a more psychological lens. Joker is no hero. Yes our sympathies are with him early on, but he crosses line after line on his road to villainy. In a nutshell our sympathies can only go so far and the idea of someone worshiping Joker should be terrifying and repulsive.
That is a very reasonable way of looking at the scene where Joker stands on the car bathing in the cheers of his idolizers. The movie doesn’t join in on the celebration. It paints a frighteningly grim picture of human depravity, one much different than the vile apathy of the rich elite, but just as heinous. This is how I initially viewed that scene – as an effective image of absolute moral decay and how far a society can spiral. And along with that comes a wickedly clever way in which the film makes our responses to it either indict or exonerate us.
Reading 3 – This one may be the most fun to consider and it’s the interpretation that lately I’ve been leaning towards the most. Simply put, what if it’s all in Arthur’s head? What if the entire movie is Arthur telling his story to the psychiatrist we see in the final scene? We already know the entire movie is told from his point-of-view and he has proven to be an unreliable narrator. Over the course of the film we learn that some of what we see didn’t actually happen. This makes questioning the validity of certain story beats completely fair game.
This also answers any potential questions (whether fair or not) that the movie venerates Joker. If Arthur grows to see himself as a hero and an inspiration, it makes sense that the movie would show it and it would be part of his storytelling. In his mind he is a leader and the one who inspired the uprising. Interestingly, you could say he’s even wrong there. Early in the film Thomas Wayne refers to protesters as “clowns”. That statement is what triggered the clown mask protests. Arthur’s subway killings happen to intersect with it, not cause it. It’s yet another delusion born out of his growing desire to be noticed.
So we’re back to the conversation with the psychiatrist where Arthur references a handful of things including a specific joke he’s certain the doctor wouldn’t get. It comes across as a perfect ending to a story he would believably be telling. It’s not a seamless theory but it makes sense of the sometimes hazy storytelling.
These are just three of the many ideas floating out there in the wild. What do you think of “Joker” and is intriguing ending. Hit the comments section below and tell me how you read this provocative movie.
And to read my proper review hit the link below. https://keithandthemovies.com/2019/10/06/review-joker-2019/
keithandthemovies.com 
I think though that this is proof of art. Art stirs us up and makes us talk.
So, so, so true.
I know! I can’t even choose just one quote for my post. That’s why I don’t get any outrage. There’s no fixed ending. I’m still wondering what my final take is.
I know what you mean. Planning a third viewing soon. Can’t wait to see what else it stirs up in my mind.
Option three is the reading of the film I am inclined to accept. There are however inconsistent issues such a a particular event that takes place outside of his immediate presence but most closely links the ending to the DC history. There is a lot to talk about.
Right! That third reading can be a little messy in places. But I admit, I’ve loved thinking about this movie.
I always find it weird when a film is condemned as promoting something it portrays negatively, or at least only shows the villain doing/believing.
I know what you mean. Some have interpreted the film as glorifying Joker and his violence. I didn’t see that at all.
Great interpretations, Keith – OPTION 4 – ALL OF THE ABOVE! Brilliant article as usual.
Thank you! It was tough not going into these things in my written review. I decided then that I wanted to do one of these.
Excellent review, Keith. I like that you presented us with some of the possible interpretations. I also found it amazing that they made a movie where Batman isn’t the one who gave birth to Joker but Joker who gave birth to Batman, unwillingly, of course. I’m also glad that it’s so open-ended that every viewer can take home what they want. A bit unfortunate that some want to overlook that and think it was just a badly-written story with phenomenal acting. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for reading. This is actually a follow-up post to my proper review. As you mentioned, it is such a open-ended story that many interpretations can exist. This makes Joker still a bit of a mystery. I love that.
Here’s a link to my full review if you’re interested: https://keithandthemovies.com/2019/10/06/review-joker-2019/
I just saw it (review coming later) as I’m still processing it as I don’t think the film condones or inspires violence yet it does showcase some of the faults of society as well as how it can neglect those in need of help. Especially those with serious mental illnesses. I’m still trying to figure out about the film as we wonder if everything we saw was in Arthur’s head but the film ends with him walking out of the room with bloody footprints as we don’t know what happened.
I do feel for the guy but I can’t condone what he would do in the end. It is an interesting take as I’m just trying to sort out what I think about the film. I don’t dislike it yet there are a few things about the film that probably didn’t work for me.
Can’t wait to read your thoughts. I’ve now seen it for a third time and could watch it again. I love how it leaves itself open for interpretation while also having plenty to say about a variety of issues. I’m fascinated by what Phillips and Phoenix have created.
You suggesting the ‘all in his head’ is interesting. I am actually using that ‘unreliable narrator’ technique in my novel too, I didn’t even know it was an actual writing technique! I can’t wait to see this again mate, you have given me a lot to think about!!!
PS – you obviously write a lot so I don’t know if you have any free time at all, but you’re one of the people I’d really love feedback from on my novel. Like, HONEST constructive criticism kinda stuff. All good if you don’t want to mate, I don’t mind. And I don’t expect you you read the entire 60,000+ words haha, I’d just link you to a chapter or however much you’d be willing to read.
Let us know mate! And as always keep up the good work, you’re site really is one of my ‘go-to’ pages when I wanna some blog stuff =]
Appreciate it! And definitely link me to a chapter. It would be cool to read what you’re working on.
I’d honestl love to hear any honest feedback mate, I’ve always really enjoyed your writing. This is all a true story, I’ve kinda ripped of Hunter S Thompson a bit as I’m the main character in the middle of a crazy situation and you can’t ever be sure what I’m saying is true. But its just an influence, I’m confident I’ve developed my own voice.
Anyways, if you read any of this I’d be so appreciative!!!! I pasted the first three chapters into a google drive doc. Read as much or as little as you want. Hopefully it leaves you wanting to read more!!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17WQKqHHFTLTo1aurgcTgA-lZhFlW_1sg07OZi5tIVwk/edit?usp=sharing
Nice! Anxious to dive in.
Let us know if you do dive in =]
btw I use the facebook messenger only app. Its handy, let me know if you use it too, you’re one of those bloggers who I know I could have some good chats with. There only a few and I’m pretty certain you’re one of em.
If not, all good amigo! =] Keep up the good work, I’m finishing my ad astra review atm so keep an eye out! =]
As always, cheers bud. I think our tastes align near perfectly! It makes for good conversation, or interesting comments at the least hehe
I also posted a more in depth post on that Aussie war film. The background of the film and the battle as perceived down here is really interesting!
Awesome! Anxious to check it out.
=)))))
There’s so many theories. What if he actually dies in that refrigirator? and the rest are his last thoughts…..you could make your comparisons with Travis Bickle….
Hmmmm, haven’t heard that one. Interesting.
Like you stated, there are so many explanations out there….
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Damn, man. That’s a very interesting take on the film. The 3rd reading is one I never even considered but I could buy that. That makes a lot of sense. Need a rewatch now 😂
It’s funny, I watched the movie twice before I wrote my proper review. Then I saw it a third time to write this thing. I won’t lie, I’m REALLY anxious to see it yet again.
Great post Keith 🙂 All of the film’s drama happening in Arthur’s head is certainly an interesting theory. Given all the theories concerning the endings of Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy (two of the film’s influences), it would not be a far-fetched opinion. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
Thank you! The movie gives you so much to chew on. It kinda amazes me when detractors speak of it as a shallow one-note film. There is so much more depth than some want to give it credit for.