- Director: Todd Phillips
- Year: 2019
Overview
Arthur Fleck works as a clown while suffering from mental health issues and living in a decaying Gotham City. The city is experiencing a garbage strike and widening wealth inequality, which puts massive strain on public services. After being beaten by youths and losing his job, Arthur receives a gun from a coworker for self-defense. He shoots three wealthy businessmen who attack him on a subway, triggering a wave of anti-rich protests. Arthur's mental state worsens as his access to medication is cut due to city budget cuts. He transforms into the Joker, killing a talk show host on live television.
Takeaways
Gotham City is a tinderbox of wealth inequality and neglected public services, where cutting off funding for mental health programs pushes people like Arthur Fleck over the edge. When Arthur shoots three wealthy men on a subway, it taps into the deep anger of the city's ignored lower class. The clown mask quickly becomes a symbol of rebellion, uniting frustrated citizens against the wealthy elites who look down on them. The widespread riots show that when a city ignores its most vulnerable residents and cuts off their support, it creates a dangerous environment where a single spark can burn the whole place down.