Joker

Main Plot

"Joker," directed by Todd Phillips, is a psychological thriller that delves into the life of Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian in Gotham City. Set in the early 1980s, the film explores Arthur's descent into madness as he grapples with social isolation, mental illness, and a series of personal and professional failures. The city's neglect and harsh treatment of its marginalized citizens exacerbate his condition, leading him to adopt the persona of the Joker. As Arthur's transformation intensifies, his actions spark a broader social upheaval, reflecting the deep-seated anger and discontent within the city's populace. The film serves as a dark, gritty origin story, examining the factors that contribute to the making of one of the most iconic villains in comic book history.

Characters

• Joaquin Phoenix plays Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian who descends into madness and becomes a symbol of chaos in Gotham City.
• Robert De Niro plays Murray Franklin, a talk show host whose interactions with the protagonist significantly influence the latter's descent into madness and chaos.
• Zazie Beetz plays Sophie Dumond, a single mother and neighbor who becomes the object of Arthur Fleck's romantic fantasies, highlighting his deepening detachment from reality.

Ending Explained

In the climax of Todd Phillips' "Joker," Arthur Fleck, fully transformed into the Joker, appears on the Murray Franklin Show. After a tense exchange, Arthur confesses to the murders of three Wall Street men and delivers a monologue about society's neglect of the downtrodden. He then shoots and kills Murray Franklin on live television, sparking chaos throughout Gotham City. Riots break out, and Arthur is arrested but later freed by rioters who idolize him. Meanwhile, Thomas and Martha Wayne are murdered in an alley, leaving their son Bruce Wayne orphaned, a pivotal moment that hints at the origin of Batman. In the final scenes, Arthur is seen in Arkham State Hospital, laughing to himself. When asked by a therapist what’s so funny, he responds that she wouldn’t understand. The film concludes ambiguously with Arthur running through the halls, leaving bloody footprints, suggesting either a continuation of his madness or a commentary on the cyclical nature of violence and societal neglect. This ending underscores the film's themes of mental illness, societal failure, and the birth of a notorious villain.