Joker Literary Analysis Arthur Fleck Character Study

Plot

Released in the year 2019, this particular film revolves around a character by the name Arthur Fleck. Arthur suffers from a disorder that makes it difficult for him to contain his laughter, particularly in settings deemed inappropriate. Various happenings in his life push Arthur into what could be described as a downward spiral. The said issues - both personal issues and events triggered by the society – are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; the discontinuation of his medications, violence instigated against him, familial problems, and sheer mistreatment by society. Exposure to all these concerns culminate into Arthur’s embrace of a rather unusual persona by the name ‘Joker.’

The main character in this particular film, as has been highlighted elsewhere in this text, happens to be the Joker/Arthur. To a large extent, his portrayal of a person suffering from a neurological disorder is convincing. His pathological laughter happens to be one of the most captivating things in the movie and ultimately comes in handy in efforts to bring out the Joker persona. One other key character in this case happens to be Penny Fleck. She successfully presents as a sickly and meek lady. It would be prudent to note that although at first instance she appears to be Arthur’s fountain of hope, she later on plays a huge role in his transformation into a monster. Thus, it should be noted that she is crucial for the development of the plot. Murray Franklin who in this case plays the role of a host in a talk show, also come in handy in attempts to explain Arthur’s descent.

In my opinion, a number of themes clearly stand out in this film. There are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; trauma and abuse, delusion and mental instability, persona mutation, as well as vigilantism and anarchy. From a young age all the way into his adult life, Arthur suffers great mental and physical abuse. It is clear in the film that the abusive experiences that he has encountered have largely contributed into his deluded state and mental instability. When it comes to vigilantism and anarchy, the film portrays what happens when people do not believe in the rule of law and basic social etiquette and instead opt to embrace what could be deemed anarchic or nihilistic tendencies. In relation to persona mutation, Arthur’s decline has been clearly documented through the film. This descent, as has been pointed out elsewhere in this text, is largely founded on Arthur’s experiences as well as social victimization.

To a large extent, this particular film succeeds in accomplishing what appears to be the producer’s key objective, i.e. rattling viewers and being largely unsettling. The movie is also brilliant in the presentation of the Arthur’s persona transition. This is more so the case given that at first instance, viewers are made to empathize with him – especially following his brutal assault and being abandoned in an alley. For a significant portion of the film, Arthur is presented as an individual out to maximize the happiness of other people, even when he does not derive own happiness from his interactions with others. The happy face that he puts on is a front for the real pain he endures. Then various encounters set the stage for his transition into a monster with a penchant for horrific violence. What is unusual is that even after he transitions into ‘the Joker’, it is still easy to care about his character on the basis of his background – which essentially forces the viewer into the development of empathy for him.