Films › Todd Phillips

Joker (2019)

Film

DirectorTodd Phillips

Meta takes8

Figures

Objects & symbols

The "Kill the Rich" protest movement adopting the clown mask. → The Empty Vessel

Form & technique

The stair dance scene. → The Fragile Alpha
The film's visual and narrative parallels to Taxi Driver (1976). → The Pastiche Playbook
The main cello theme in Hildur Guðnadóttir's score. → The Sonic Calling Card
The character of Sophie Dumond and her role in the narrative.
The subway shooting scene and its aftermath. → Affective Contagion

Tropes

Arthur's forced therapy sessions and subsequent funding cuts. → Necropolitics
Arthur's appearance on the Live! with Murray Franklin show.
Joaquin Phoenix's emaciated physique as Arthur Fleck.
Arthur's pseudobulbar affect (uncontrollable laughter). → The Abject Borderline
The steep, long outdoor stairs Arthur frequently traverses. → The Time-Space Crucible
Arthur's stand-up comedy performance at Pogo's.

Films most connected to Joker

Cold Fish (2010) — via The Abject Borderline, The Fragile Alpha, Affective Contagion
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) — via The Pastiche Playbook, The Fragile Alpha, The Sonic Calling Card
Bacurau (2019) — via The Time-Space Crucible, Necropolitics
Phantom Thread (2017) — via The Time-Space Crucible, The Sonic Calling Card
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) — via The Time-Space Crucible, Affective Contagion
The Shape of Water (2017) — via The Pastiche Playbook, The Empty Vessel
Reservoir Dogs (1992) — via The Pastiche Playbook, The Empty Vessel
Brazil (1985) — via The Pastiche Playbook, The Empty Vessel