Lexi Webster
Todd Phillips' Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix, is rated MA15+ in Australia for strong violence. The film is a gritty character study of the iconic Batman villain's descent into madness, and has sparked controversy over its depiction of mental illness and violence. Some critics have questioned the moral responsibility of the filmmakers, while others have defended the film as a powerful piece of art designed to provoke. The film is available to stream in Australia on various platforms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rating | MA15+ |
| Reason | Strong violence |
| Plot | Mentally-ill frustrated comedian Arthur Fleck becomes the Joker |
| Concerns | Sympathetic portrayal of a villain, rampant gun violence, incel movement |
| Response | Not an endorsement of real-world violence, not intended to hold up the Joker as a hero |
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What You'll Learn
Joaquin Phoenix's performance
Phoenix's performance as the Joker earned him numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a SAG, and a Critic's Choice Award for Best Actor. Pete Hammond of Deadline described Phoenix's performance as "extraordinary", "dazzling, risky and original". David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter echoed similar sentiments, stating that Phoenix's acting was the "must-see factor" of the film. He praised Phoenix for "inhabiting [the character] with an insanity by turns pitiful and fearsome in an out-there performance that's no laughing matter".
On the other hand, some critics felt that Phoenix's acting was too over-the-top. A review in TIME magazine stated that "Phoenix is acting so hard you can feel the desperation throbbing in his veins". The review goes on to say that Phoenix's performance is "aggressive" and "possibly irresponsible", and that the film as a whole is "empty". However, the review acknowledges that Phoenix is "generally [...] a superb actor".
To prepare for the role, Phoenix lost 52 pounds (24 kg) and based his character's laugh on "videos of people suffering from pathological laughter".
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Gun violence
In Australia, Joker has been rated MA15+ for "strong violence". The film has been criticised for its depiction of mental illness and violence, with some questioning the decision to make the film at all.
Joker centres on a man named Arthur Fleck who struggles with mental health issues and whose descent into criminality inspires others to engage in violent actions. The film has been described as incel-friendly and dangerous, with concerns that it could inspire real-world violence.
In response to these concerns, Warner Bros. stated that the film and its titular character are not an endorsement of real-world violence and that it is not their intention to hold the Joker up as a hero. They also acknowledged the importance of storytelling in provoking difficult conversations around complex issues.
While the Joker film has sparked debates about gun violence and its potential impact on viewers, it is important to note that Australia's approach to gun control has been effective in reducing gun-related incidents and promoting public safety.
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Moral panic
The 2019 film Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, sparked a moral panic in Australia due to its graphic and disturbing content, with some questioning the ethics of its creation and potential impact on viewers. The film received an MA15+ rating in Australia for "strong violence", with concerns raised about its portrayal of mental illness, violence, and sympathy for a villainous character.
Graphic Content and Moral Panic
The film's graphic nature is evident in its verbal and visual references to suicide, violent acts such as stabbing and shooting, and aggressive language and sexual content. The film's unflinching portrayal of these themes led to concerns about its potential influence on viewers, particularly regarding the glorification of violence and the potential triggering of vulnerable individuals.
Portrayal of Mental Illness
Joker's depiction of its titular character's mental health issues and descent into madness sparked debates. Some critics argued that the film inappropriately used mental illness as a plot device, while others felt that it provided a nuanced portrayal of a character struggling with mental health issues. The film's exploration of Arthur Fleck's (played by Joaquin Phoenix) descent into madness and his transformation into the Joker, Batman's arch-nemesis, was a key point of contention.
Sympathy for the Villain
The film's portrayal of the Joker as a relatable and sympathetic character was a significant source of moral panic. Some reviewers felt that the film asked its audience to identify with the Joker and understand his struggles, which could potentially encourage dangerous behaviour in vulnerable viewers. The film's exploration of the character's tragic life, including his adoption and neglect, evoked sympathy from viewers, leading to concerns about the potential glorification of violent and antisocial behaviour.
Artistic Expression and Responsibility
While some defended the film as a form of artistic expression designed to provoke, others argued that the filmmakers needed to accept responsibility for its crucial message. Director Todd Phillips stated that the film was not an endorsement of real-world violence and that he was puzzled by the focus on violence. However, critics questioned the thought process behind the film's creation, citing concerns about its potential impact on impressionable viewers and the glorification of violent and incel culture.
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Portrayal of mental illness
The 2019 film Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, portrays the Joker as a man named Arthur Fleck who struggles with mental health issues and the descent of society into crime and violence. Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the character has been described as earnest in its attempt to create an empathetic character with mental illness. However, some critics have argued that the film perpetuates damaging stereotypes about mental illness and violence.
The film has been praised for taking an honest look at the daily life of a person struggling with mental illness and the breakdown of social support. For example, in a pivotal scene, Arthur meets with his social worker for the last time as his mental health is deteriorating. The social worker informs him that funding for her treatment program has been pulled, demonstrating bureaucratic indifference to mental illness.
However, the film has also been criticised for relying too heavily on the character's mental illness to explain his violent behaviour. Psychiatrists Vasilis K. Pozios and Praveen R. Kambam have expressed concern that the film reinforces the association between serious mental illness and extreme violence. They argue that the film's portrayal of Arthur's mental deterioration leading to violence against others is not only misinformed but also amplifies stigma and fear.
Furthermore, some critics have argued that the film should not try to make the Joker a relatable character, as this could encourage dangerous behaviour in people who read too far into the movie. The film's attempt to humanise the Joker and portray his tragic life story may lead audiences to sympathise with him, despite his descent into violence and crime.
Overall, the portrayal of mental illness in Joker has sparked a debate among mental health advocates and film critics. While some praise the film for its nuanced depiction of mental illness and the breakdown of social support, others criticise it for perpetuating stereotypes and promoting a misleading association between mental illness and violence.
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Streaming availability
The 2019 film Joker is available to stream in Australia on Prime Video, Netflix, and Stan. It can also be streamed, rented, or bought on Apple TV Store, Prime Video Store, Google TV, and YouTube.
The sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, premiered in Australia on 3 October 2024. It is expected to be available on BINGE, Foxtel Now, and Foxtel after its theatrical run. It is also likely to be released digitally via pay-per-view platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play, Fetch, Prime Video Store, and Microsoft before arriving on subscription streaming services.
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Frequently asked questions
The Joker has an MA15+ rating in Australia for "strong violence".
The Joker is an American film about how the mentally-ill, frustrated, depressed, and abused comedian Arthur Fleck became the Joker—the iconic arch-nemesis of Batman.
Todd Phillips directed the Joker.
Joaquin Phoenix played the Joker. He won an Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe for his performance.
