It’s time to head into the DC Comics world but I’m not looking at a superhero. Oh no this is my Joker blu-ray review. Starring Joaquin Phoenix in the title role, the film released to critical acclaim in 2019. The blu-ray release followed in February 2020 so I think it’s high time I gave it a look.
- Joker (2019)
- Genre: Thriller
- Directed by Todd Phillips
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 1
- Released By Warner Bros
- Blu-ray Released: 10 February 2020
Plot
Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) works as clown taking various jobs. He’s also a stand-up comedian and regularly frequents comedy clubs looking for inspiration. Fleck has a condition that sees him burst into fits of laughter at inappropriate times. Arthur lives with his mother and the two like to watch television together especially talk show host Murray Franklin’s show.
Arthur is struggling with mental health issues which he takes medication for. However Arthur is destined to leave his mark on the streets of Gotham as he becomes the Joker.
Style / Direction
Todd Phillips wrote and directed Joker whilst the cinematography was handled by Lawrence Sher. Make no mistake this is a comic book villain origin film set in a real world setting. This actually plays to the strength of the movie, the story. It’s an exceptionally well made psychological thriller with plenty of style.
Music / Audio Effects
The movie’s score leans very much on the cello and gives us a feeling of Jokers disturbed mind. The score comes from musician / composer Hildur Guðnadóttir and I thought it was pretty much perfect.
Acting / Characters
Joaquin Phoenix produces an incredibly performance as Arthur Fleck aka The Joker. The film shows the origin of the Joker but cleverly leaves it ambiguous as to whether this is the real Joker or merely Arthur Fleck’s Joker. Phoenix really does deliver and makes compelling viewing.
Robert De Niro plays TV host Murray Franklin and I have to say I was impressed with his performance.
Cast
- Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker
- Robert De Niro as Murray Franklin
- Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond
- Frances Conroy as Penny Fleck
- Brett Cullen as Thomas Wayne
Conclusion: Joker (2019) Film Review
I thoroughly enjoyed Joker, it treads the line of the comic book world but leans far more to the real world. I think this approach is the right one and as a standalone movie Joker is fantastic.
Joaquin Phoenix delivers an acting master class and makes the role his own with his unique take on a well known character. I also liked the fact that Todd Phillips created Arthur Fleck as the Joker as it leaves the film open to interpretation. Is this really The Joker?
If you didn’t see the film at the cinema then you’re in for a treat. I highly recommend picking it up on blu-ray for that near cinema experience.
If you enjoyed my Joker blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: Joker Blu-ray Review
As you would expect the picture quality is amazing being a 2019 movie. There’s an interesting set of extras that I highly recommend that you watch. They include insight into the writing from Todd Phillips, along with Joaquin Phoenix on his transformation into Arthur Fleck / Joker.
Blu-ray really is the way to go, don’t be tempted to pick the DVD unless you have too. You can find the blu-ray for around £10 and it looks incredible.
Extras
- Becoming Joker (1 min)
- Joker: Vision & Fury (22 mins)
- Please Welcome… Joker! (3 mins)
- Joker: A Chronicle of Chaos (3 mins)
Joker (2019) Blu-ray
Joker (2019) is available now on blu-ray, DVD & 4K from Amazon.
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Popcorn Cinema Rating: Joker (2019)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: PERFECT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Joker (2019) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That just about concludes my Joker blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more movies soon. What’s next? Check back soon.
Join us in supporting physical media by obtaining this film on blu-ray. Remember streaming platforms can add or remove your favourite films or television shows at any time. Plus picture quality is not fixed and can vary depending on numerous factors such as connection speed, bitrates etc..
Summary: Joker (2019) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Joker (2019)
Duration: 122 mins
Director(s): Todd Phillips
Actor(s): Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, ,
Genre: Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Joaquin Phoenix delivers an acting master class with his own unique take on a well known comic book character.
