Response to Analysis of the film: ‘Joker’

Photo courtesy of IMDB.com

Below is a link to the article I responded to:

Don’t forget: ‘Joker’ is still a problematic film

Hi Mr. Scribner,

My name is Dallin Wilks and I am a student at BYU studying photography. I’m a regular reader of the Deseret News, and I've read many of your articles on pop culture and other events. I’ve read several of your articles about the ‘Joker’ film released last October, and while I partially agree with your analysis of the dangerous messages ‘Joker’ can send, I would ask you to consider my own brief analysis regarding ‘Joker’.

From a structural and technical standpoint, I loved ‘Joker’. The overall production was nearly flawless. The cinematography was beautiful, the score was hauntingly perfect, the screenplay was incredibly compelling, and the acting was phenomenal. I’m sure you would agree with me on those points. Only an inexperienced movie-goer would say otherwise.

But in terms of messages ‘Joker’ sends, I think it is shallow and unfair to limit the scope of the film entirely to it being a “failed-commentary on mental illness”, like you have asserted many times. There are several themes begging to be analyzed from ‘Joker’. A few of those themes include: the subjective nature of comedy, the overlapping qualities between comedy and tragedy, dividing lines between social classes, the constitution of reality, products of environment, and what can be justified as justice. I can dive into any of these themes and deeply explore what ‘Joker’ portrays within those themes - and I think because this film is so layered and complex, that is evidence of the magnificent literary quality inherent in ‘Joker’.

Yes, the violence is difficult to watch. It’s incredibly graphic. But it’s sparse, and it’s sparse for a purpose. Violence in a film, when used effectively, should serve to invoke a certain response in the viewer; and in ‘Joker’ I think it accomplishes that purpose. I think the few depictions of graphic violence in the film serve as shock-value devices to reinforce into the viewer the many themes ‘Joker’ portrays. In ‘Joker’, the audience helplessly watches unfold in front of them the consequences of ignoring a mistreated individual - and the audience can’t do anything to prevent the inevitable from happening. It’s shocking for an audience to witness, and it sticks with them long after the credits roll. Because of this depicted tragedy, ‘Joker’ could serve as a cautionary message to sincerely care for those around us who are mistreated. The violence just serves as a strong reinforcer through its evocation of fear and horror in the viewer.

‘Joker’ is not an easy film to watch. There is certainly nothing leisurely about it. But I think ‘Joker’ is a very important film. I would even call it a “timeless” film, because many of the themes within ‘Joker’ raise important core questions that humankind has already grappled with for centuries (and frankly, we still don’t have clear answers to many of these questions). I saw the film twice with a friend and again with my brother, and after both times I saw it, I spent many subsequent hours discussing the film, the themes within, and the questions it raised. It’s a film that sparks conversation and debate, and in the end, it’s helping people connect better with each other through the healthy, civil exchange of ideas.

After reading my brief analysis, I hope you can consider the viewpoints I've expressed.

​- Dallin W.