LOS ANGELES — When it comes to Oscar nods, "Joker" has more nominations than any other 2019 film. It will probably have a win or two, but not for Best Picture.
With no connection to the DC Cinematic Universe that came before it, the standalone movie follows Arthur Fleck struggling to find his way in Gotham. His hopes and aspirations get derailed in a city wrought with apathy and cruelty until he’s ultimately driven mad, turning from mama's boy to deranged villain.
The “Joker” portrayal from Joaquin Phoenix varies distinctly from the Jared Leto, Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson, and even Mark Hamill performances of yesteryear. The movie is a study on the character of the Joker with a laser-focused observation on mental health and how people treat the mentally ill disguised as a superhero movie, according to Mark S. Allen, ABC10 entertainment reporter.
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"'Joker' is one of the most powerful superhero movies ever made. Although it’s focusing on the villain and it’s not a 'superhero' movie, it’s so much more than that,” Allen said.
The core of the movie’s acclaim stems from Phoenix's performance. ABC10 polled Allen on his favorite parts of the movie, and his first, second, and third choices were Phoenix’s performance.
Phoenix's performance was so memorable that it actually the made the stairway dance location from the movie a tourist attraction.
And Allen's thoughts on Phoenix's performance is far from an unpopular opinion. The actor has taken home the award for Best Actor at the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards. While Allen doesn’t expect “Joker” to win Best Picture, he believes Phoenix is taking home the Oscar.
“Joaquin Phoenix, Best Actor. Guaranteed. Lock it down,” Allen said.
"Joker" is Also Nominated for an Academy Award in:
Actor in a Leading Role, Joaquin Phoenix
Cinematography, Joker
Costume Design, Joker
Directing, Joker
Film Editing, Joker
Makeup and Hairstyling, Joker
Music (Original Score), Joker
Sound Editing, Joker
Sound Mixing, Joker
Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Joker
Starring:
Joaquin Phoenix
Where to watch "Joker":
"Joker" is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube.
For a list of theaters with showings, click HERE.