There is very little to laugh about in Todd Phillips 'Joker'. Almost nothing in the film, that focusses on a man whose business (at least in the initial part of the film) is to make people laugh, is amusing or entertaining. Instead, Phillips along with co-writer Scott Silver, engulf you in a dark, disturbing world of a mentally unwell person and glorifies it to a great extent.&nbsp;

Arthur Flex (Joaquin Phoenix ) lives in a dowdy flat with his ill mother and works for a company that provides clowns on rent. One look at Arthur and you would know he is not well. Bones sticking out, frail with a mental condition- Arthur needs help. But in a city like Gotham, where lawlessness and unhygienic living conditions have the authorities on their toes- no one has got the time to sit up and take notice of Arthur or his feeble mother. And as he loses his job, and is shunned by the society at large and even made fun of by his screen idol, chat show host and comedian Murray Franklin(Robert De Niro), Arthur unleashes mayhem on the city.&nbsp;

<img alt="joker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8eed2364-c7b2-454a-8a4e-4cd30a9c5947" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/joker_movie_joaquin_phoenix.png" />

Shot impeccably by Lawrence Sher, the cinematography adds another level of texture to each of the scenes. There's gore, the frames are all dimly lit and Sher's camera shows light only sporadically when Arthur himself has stopped giving a damn about what others think. You can almost feel the stench that's around the city, or feel the wet cigarette that Arthur hastily takes a drag of- that's how vivid and detailed the camera work is.&nbsp;

The film is completely about Arthur. The makers never deviate or introduce a sub-plot (even though they hint at a possible romantic angle), and just keep the story completely straight forward about how the society has created its monster. The mental illness is just one of the justification given to why Arthur becomes the manic, murderous sociopath Joker. Phillips and Silver delve deeper into the world that we live in and question our lifestyle that creates lonely, insecure murderous men like Arthur. The writers also question anarchy, and in the most brazen way show us how society becomes when the gap between the rich and poor increases.&nbsp;

The film rests on Joaquin Phoenix, who despite a very lean frame, dominates every frame of 'Joker'. Phoenix is known for his versatility and has always been able to camouflage into whichever character he plays on the screen. In 'Joker', he has outdone himself. Every expression, the mannerisms, the way he delivers his dialogues, his out of tune dances- is impeccable. There is so much to absorb from his performance. The nervous, maniacal laughter can run a chill down the spine, the way he outrages on live TV makes you anxious about what's coming up next, how he dances down a flight of stairs makes you uncomfortable. &nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zAGVQLHvwOY" width="560"></iframe>

While Joker is a known character in pop culture, to bring some ingenuity to the character requires good writing and acting. You may get uncomfortable at the mayhem that Phoenix creates on-screen but you also feel sympathetic at his situation.&nbsp;

At one point, Arthur scribbles in his journal, "the worst part about having a mental illness is that people expect you to behave as though you don’t" but sadly the writers never delve deeper into it. Instead, they seem to regale at the uneasy environment the film creates with its narrative. Sure, it talks about how Arthur becomes the person he is now, but it never wants to give a solution. Instead, the film glorifies all the misdeeds that he does.

Some would argue that art doesn't need to always give a solution but showing a mental patient being gloriously celebrated on the big screen can have certain repercussions.&nbsp;

In 'Joker', Phoenix stuns with a stupefying performance but the story, with all its dark-Gotham,70's style glory, can leave you disturbed.&nbsp;

There is very little to laugh about in Todd Phillips 'Joker'. Almost nothing in the film, that focusses on a man whose business (at least in the initial part of the film) is to make people laugh, is amusing or entertaining.

There is very little to laugh about in Todd Phillips 'Joker'. Almost nothing in the film, that focusses on a man whose business (at least in the initial part of the film) is to make people laugh, is amusing or entertaining. Instead, Phillips along with co-writer Scott Silver, engulf you in a dark, disturbing world of a mentally unwell person and glorifies it to a great extent. Arthur Flex (Joaquin Phoenix ) lives in a dowdy flat with his ill mother and works for a company that provides clowns on rent. One look at Arthur and you would know he is not well. Bones sticking out, frail with a mental condition- Arthur needs help. But in a city like Gotham, where lawlessness and unhygienic living conditions have the authorities on their toes- no one has got the time to sit up and take notice of Arthur or his feeble mother. And as he loses his job, and is shunned by the society at large and even made fun of by his screen idol, chat show host and comedian Murray Franklin(Robert De Niro), Arthur unleashes mayhem on the city. Shot impeccably by Lawrence Sher, the cinematography adds another level of texture to each of the scenes. There's gore, the frames are all dimly lit and Sher's camera shows light only sporadically when Arthur himself has stopped giving a damn about what others think. You can almost feel the stench that's around the city, or feel the wet cigarette that Arthur hastily takes a drag of- that's how vivid and detailed the camera work is. The film is completely about Arthur. The makers never deviate or introduce a sub-plot (even though they hint at a possible romantic angle), and just keep the story completely straight forward about how the society has created its monster. The mental illness is just one of the justification given to why Arthur becomes the manic, murderous sociopath Joker. Phillips and Silver delve deeper into the world that we live in and question our lifestyle that creates lonely, insecure murderous men like Arthur. The writers also question anarchy, and in the most brazen way show us how society becomes when the gap between the rich and poor increases. The film rests on Joaquin Phoenix, who despite a very lean frame, dominates every frame of 'Joker'. Phoenix is known for his versatility and has always been able to camouflage into whichever character he plays on the screen. In 'Joker', he has outdone himself. Every expression, the mannerisms, the way he delivers his dialogues, his out of tune dances- is impeccable. There is so much to absorb from his performance. The nervous, maniacal laughter can run a chill down the spine, the way he outrages on live TV makes you anxious about what's coming up next, how he dances down a flight of stairs makes you uncomfortable. While Joker is a known character in pop culture, to bring some ingenuity to the character requires good writing and acting. You may get uncomfortable at the mayhem that Phoenix creates on-screen but you also feel sympathetic at his situation. At one point, Arthur scribbles in his journal, "the worst part about having a mental illness is that people expect you to behave as though you don’t" but sadly the writers never delve deeper into it. Instead, they seem to regale at the uneasy environment the film creates with its narrative. Sure, it talks about how Arthur becomes the person he is now, but it never wants to give a solution. Instead, the film glorifies all the misdeeds that he does. Some would argue that art doesn't need to always give a solution but showing a mental patient being gloriously celebrated on the big screen can have certain repercussions. In 'Joker', Phoenix stuns with a stupefying performance but the story, with all its dark-Gotham,70's style glory, can leave you disturbed.

'Joker' review: Joaquin Phoenix is terrific in an extremely disturbing film

Joaquin Phoenix-starrer&nbsp; 'Joker'&nbsp;has been hogging the limelight ever since its inception. While the actor has received rave reviews for his portrayal of the iconic Batman villain, the film has been facing flak amid fears that it could trigger violence. And as the controversy surrounding the film refuses to die down, it has been hit with another setback. 
 
A movie theater in Huntington Beach, California, cancelled the screenings of&nbsp; 'Joker'&nbsp;on Thursday night after a 'credible'&nbsp;threat was reported to the police, the Huntington Beach Police Department said on Friday, reported Variety. 
 
The final two screenings of the movie at the Century Huntington Beach and XD theater in the Bella Terra shopping centre were cancelled after officers were sent to the scene. The showings resumed on Friday. 
 
The Huntington Beach Police Department said in a statement that it had received information about a threat to the Century Theater in response to the opening of the DC film. 
 
"The police department deemed the threat was credible enough to provide a uniformed presence at the theater," the statement said. 
 
"As the investigation continued, our officers worked with the managers of the theater, who determined they would cancel the final two showings of the movie and close the theater out of an abundance of caution. Based on the investigation, and in working with theater management, it was determined that the theater could safely reopen and resume normal operation," the statement added. 
 
The police did not reveal any details about the nature of the threat. Although the screenings resumed, the police said that "The Huntington Beach Police Department will provide patrols at Century Theater for the rest of this weekend" . 
 
"We are working in conjunction with the theater's management as well as mall security to provide a safe environment for the public. This incident is currently under investigation, and no further details will be provided," the police added. 
 
The film's main themes of mental illness and its relationship to violence have caused theatres and law enforcement to worry about the message 'Joker'&nbsp;is sending. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joker-review-joaquin-phoenix-is-terrific-in-an-extremely-disturbing-film-253248">Read movie review here</a> 
 
'Joker'&nbsp;features a new take on the comic book character's origin story, and follows an aspiring stand-up comedian called Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) whose mental health issues escalate, ultimately leading him to a life of criminality.&nbsp; 
 
Apart from Phoenix, the movie also features Robert De Niro, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais, and Shea Whigham. 
 
The film is getting early Oscar buzz after winning the Golden Lion, the Venice International Film Festival's top award. '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joaquin-phoenix-starrer-joker-gets-eight-minute-standing-ovation-at-venice-film-festival-247145">Joker'&nbsp;also received an eight-minute standing ovation</a> at its Venice Film Festival premiere.&nbsp;

Joaquin Phoenix-starrer 'Joker' has been hogging the limelight ever since its inception. While the actor has received rave reviews for his portrayal of the iconic Batman villain, the film has been facing flak amid fears that it could trigger violence.

Joaquin Phoenix-starrer 'Joker' has been hogging the limelight ever since its inception. While the actor has received rave reviews for his portrayal of the iconic Batman villain, the film has been facing flak amid fears that it could trigger violence. And as the controversy surrounding the film refuses to die down, it has been hit with another setback. A movie theater in Huntington Beach, California, cancelled the screenings of 'Joker' on Thursday night after a 'credible' threat was reported to the police, the Huntington Beach Police Department said on Friday, reported Variety. The final two screenings of the movie at the Century Huntington Beach and XD theater in the Bella Terra shopping centre were cancelled after officers were sent to the scene. The showings resumed on Friday. The Huntington Beach Police Department said in a statement that it had received information about a threat to the Century Theater in response to the opening of the DC film. "The police department deemed the threat was credible enough to provide a uniformed presence at the theater," the statement said. "As the investigation continued, our officers worked with the managers of the theater, who determined they would cancel the final two showings of the movie and close the theater out of an abundance of caution. Based on the investigation, and in working with theater management, it was determined that the theater could safely reopen and resume normal operation," the statement added. The police did not reveal any details about the nature of the threat. Although the screenings resumed, the police said that "The Huntington Beach Police Department will provide patrols at Century Theater for the rest of this weekend" . "We are working in conjunction with the theater's management as well as mall security to provide a safe environment for the public. This incident is currently under investigation, and no further details will be provided," the police added. The film's main themes of mental illness and its relationship to violence have caused theatres and law enforcement to worry about the message 'Joker' is sending. Read movie review here 'Joker' features a new take on the comic book character's origin story, and follows an aspiring stand-up comedian called Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) whose mental health issues escalate, ultimately leading him to a life of criminality. Apart from Phoenix, the movie also features Robert De Niro, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais, and Shea Whigham. The film is getting early Oscar buzz after winning the Golden Lion, the Venice International Film Festival's top award. 'Joker' also received an eight-minute standing ovation at its Venice Film Festival premiere.

'Joker' screenings at Los Angeles area theatre cancelled after credible threat

It wasn`t all smooth sailing between actors Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro on the sets of&nbsp; 'Joker'.&nbsp;The Oscar-winning stars had different approaches when it came to preparing for the recently released thriller, which follows the origin story of Batman supervillain. 
The director of the film, Todd Phillips recounted the friction between the powerhouse actors in Phoenix`s recent Vanity Fair profile, and it all came down to whether or not to do a table read. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joker-review-joaquin-phoenix-is-terrific-in-an-extremely-disturbing-film-253248">Read the review of 'Joker' here.&nbsp;</a> 
 
As Phoenix explained in the piece, he prefers an easier approach to get into the skin of his characters."For me, I always thought that acting should be like a documentary. That you should just feel whatever it is that you`re feeling, what you think the character is going through at that moment," Phoenix told Vanity Fair. However, De Niro, an iconic figure in the film business, likes to read through scripts before shooting and be completely familiar with the character and the material.&nbsp; 
 
Phillips revealed that there was some disagreement before shooting began, as De Niro wanted to do a read-through of the script, a process that Phoenix dislikes. "Bob called me and he goes, `Tell him he`s an actor and he`s got to be there, I like to hear the whole movie, and we`re going to all get in a room and just read it`," Phillips recalled in the interview."And I`m in between a rock and a hard place because Joaquin`s like, `There`s no f--- way I`m doing a read-through,` and Bob`s like, `I do read-throughs before we shoot, that`s what we do`," Phillips added. 
 
The two actors ultimately worked out their differences, with De Niro even taking a moment to hold Phoenix`s face and give him a kiss on the cheek. However, that doesn`t mean that they were pals on the sets, as their characters are rivals in the movie. 
 
Phoenix explained that the pair didn`t really speak on set, because of their shared acting methods and superstitions. "I didn`t like to talk to him on set. The first day we said good morning, and beyond that, I don`t know that we talked much," Phoenix said. 
 
De Niro noted, "His character and my character, we didn`t need to talk about anything. We just say, `Do the work. Relate as the characters to each other.` It makes it simpler and we don`t talk. There`s no reason to." 
 
'Joker` features a new take on the comic book character`s origin story, and follows an aspiring stand-up comedian called Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) whose mental health issues escalate, ultimately leading him to a life of criminality. Apart from Phoenix and De Niro, the movie also features Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais, and Shea Whigham. 
 
The film released in India on October 2, alongside Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff-starrer `War` and Telugu action epic `Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy`. It releases worldwide on October 4.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It wasn`t all smooth sailing between actors Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro on the sets of 'Joker'. The Oscar-winning stars had different approaches when it came to preparing for the recently released thriller, which follows the origin story of Batman supervillain.

It wasn`t all smooth sailing between actors Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro on the sets of 'Joker'. The Oscar-winning stars had different approaches when it came to preparing for the recently released thriller, which follows the origin story of Batman supervillain. The director of the film, Todd Phillips recounted the friction between the powerhouse actors in Phoenix`s recent Vanity Fair profile, and it all came down to whether or not to do a table read. Read the review of 'Joker' here. As Phoenix explained in the piece, he prefers an easier approach to get into the skin of his characters."For me, I always thought that acting should be like a documentary. That you should just feel whatever it is that you`re feeling, what you think the character is going through at that moment," Phoenix told Vanity Fair. However, De Niro, an iconic figure in the film business, likes to read through scripts before shooting and be completely familiar with the character and the material. Phillips revealed that there was some disagreement before shooting began, as De Niro wanted to do a read-through of the script, a process that Phoenix dislikes. "Bob called me and he goes, `Tell him he`s an actor and he`s got to be there, I like to hear the whole movie, and we`re going to all get in a room and just read it`," Phillips recalled in the interview."And I`m in between a rock and a hard place because Joaquin`s like, `There`s no f--- way I`m doing a read-through,` and Bob`s like, `I do read-throughs before we shoot, that`s what we do`," Phillips added. The two actors ultimately worked out their differences, with De Niro even taking a moment to hold Phoenix`s face and give him a kiss on the cheek. However, that doesn`t mean that they were pals on the sets, as their characters are rivals in the movie. Phoenix explained that the pair didn`t really speak on set, because of their shared acting methods and superstitions. "I didn`t like to talk to him on set. The first day we said good morning, and beyond that, I don`t know that we talked much," Phoenix said. De Niro noted, "His character and my character, we didn`t need to talk about anything. We just say, `Do the work. Relate as the characters to each other.` It makes it simpler and we don`t talk. There`s no reason to." 'Joker` features a new take on the comic book character`s origin story, and follows an aspiring stand-up comedian called Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) whose mental health issues escalate, ultimately leading him to a life of criminality. Apart from Phoenix and De Niro, the movie also features Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais, and Shea Whigham. The film released in India on October 2, alongside Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff-starrer `War` and Telugu action epic `Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy`. It releases worldwide on October 4.

Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro didn't get along well on sets of 'Joker'