Summary

The article draws parallels between the societal unrest depicted in the 2019 film "Joker" and real-life events such as the George Floyd incident, emphasizing the theme of a flawed system leading to chaos and the descent into madness of individuals like Arthur Fleck.

Abstract

The 2020 article reflects on the eerie similarities between the climax of the movie "Joker" and the real-world protests and riots that erupted due to perceived social injustices, particularly the incident involving George Floyd. It suggests that the city in "Joker" serves as a metaphor for society's failings, where systemic issues create an environment of anger and frustration. The character Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, is used as a case study to illustrate how societal neglect and personal trauma can push an individual to the brink. The article posits that both in the film and in reality, the collective discontent can lead to widespread civil unrest, questioning the effectiveness of the current societal systems and the ability of individuals to cope with or change these systems.

Opinions

The article implies that the systemic injustice in society is a significant contributing factor to civil unrest, much like the portrayal in "Joker."
It suggests that the city, as a character in the film, is a toxic environment that breeds resentment and violence, reflective of real-world cities facing similar issues.
The author believes that Arthur Fleck's descent into madness is a direct result of his mistreatment by society, lack of support, and personal revelations.
The article points out that the lack of understanding and empathy from society, including figures of authority like Mayor Thomas Wayne, exacerbates the situation.
It highlights the idea that individuals can only endure so much before reaching a breaking point, as seen with Arthur Fleck's transformation into the Joker.
The author draws a parallel between the film's portrayal of societal collapse and the real-life events surrounding the George Floyd incident, emphasizing the issue of inequality.
The article concludes with a reflection on the importance of kindness but also questions its sustainability in the face of systemic inequality and oppression.

2020: “There Is No Punchline”

Rewatching the last part of Joker in real life.

Recently, a riot and protests broke out because everyone believed that the system of the city is injustice. An incident happened to one man against someone who is different from them, recorded and spread all over the news. And all leads to the movement of injustice, causing a huge war between citizens and police.

Sounds familiar?

This was the plotline of the 2019 movie Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix. A movie telling the origins of the famous DC character, Joker. It goes back to the roots of the character, explaining how he became the likeable villain that viewers can relate to as they grow up.

Or is it a movie?

In both real-life and movie, we have a similar common character: the city itself, a three-dimensional character that caused the downfall of society’s system.

I say this because we don’t know the lives of both parties, and they behave the way they are because that’s how their daily routine taught them. And if injustice keeps happening, then it’s the system that needs a change. However, in both events, changes were difficult to change, especially when their mindsets are not aligned with society. Seeing how it all started was also similar.

The seed of madness

The city may look like a normal civilized place to live, but the grass doesn’t always look green on the other side. Inside, it was toxic, filled with angry and frustrated people blaming at each other for almost everything. Be it work or bypassers, many were happy on the outside, but inside everyone, there is a ticking time bomb ready to explode.

I don’t know about George Floyd, but Arthur Fleck was doing his best to control his temper. He was emotional, has a mental illness, and torn in the inside, trying to earn a living doing something he loves and, at the same time, taking care of his sick mother.

But because no one understood his situation, the city didn’t treat him well. He was attacked, abused, and shamed by everyone he knew. Even when there are ‘friends’ to help him, they weren’t very supportive either. The closest one was the friend who gave him a gun, but that too backfired and shot himself in the head. His stand-up comedy is mocked by his favourite idol, Bill Murray after he worked so hard. Even his psychologist counsellor wasn’t helping him, at least, it’s what he thought. In his mind, he had to endure everything alone as the world is against him.

“I thought my life was a tragedy but then I learned it was a comedy.” — Arthur Fleck, Joker.

Eventually, he was at a breaking point. He was given no choice but to turn to crime. He did everything he can to hold back but realizes that if he does that much longer, he may get himself killed.

Arthur was also losing his mind after uncovering various revelations. He realized that his mother was insane all along, and no one is giving him a chance to speak his mind. Even the mayor Thomas Wayne wouldn’t listen to him when a mayor of a town is supposed to be listening to his people. And thus, Arthur descends to madness.

The Killing Joke

When he was called to be the guest of Bill Murray, that’s when he decided that it’s going to be his stage. After all, he had nothing else to lose. Nothing can hurt him anymore.

And so, he finally says what he thought live on camera, after holding back for a long time. He spoke how awful people are, how society is not civil or unable to treat each other well, and how Gotham city is toxic. He has had it, and he believed that he needs to address it. He doesn’t care if he dies, he wants to let it all out.

With his action, the whole city was with him. They agreed to his cause, and thus the riot started.

I usually have a take in every one of my pieces, but this may not have one. It’s really based on my thoughts about what has been happening recently and how similar it is to what I used to watch in October 2019, the month of scares.

Maybe there is one, and that is to be kind. But how long can we be kind when the other guy is walking all over us without any acknowledgement? One thing for sure, this issue has been raised, and sadly, it gave some people no choice but to raise it as it is today and as it was in the movie. Not to mention as it was in past history as well.

Though the incident of George Floyd didn’t go exactly like Arthur, it somewhat went to a similar direction. They were treated without equality.