Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips and written by Phillips and Scott Silver. The film, based on DC Comics characters, stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, a failed stand-up comedian who becomes a criminal mastermind. The film's supporting cast includes Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Bill Camp, and Shea Whigham.
Joker received a standing ovation at its premiere at the 76th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion, the festival's top prize. The film was released theatrically in the United States on October 4, 2019, by Warner Bros. Pictures. It grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.
The film has been praised for its performances, direction, and cinematography, but it has also been criticized for its violence and its portrayal of mental illness. Some critics have also expressed concern about the film's potential to inspire violence in real life.
Joker Parents Guide
The film is rated R for strong violence, disturbing behavior, language, and brief nudity.
- Strong violence
- Disturbing behavior
- Frequent use of strong language
- Brief nudity
- Complex themes
- May be too intense for some viewers
- Not suitable for children
- Parents should discuss the film with their teens
- Consider the film's message and themes
- Be aware of the film's potential to trigger strong emotions
Parents should be aware that the film may be too intense for some viewers and that it is not suitable for children.
Strong violence
The film contains several scenes of strong violence, including beatings, stabbings, and shootings. Some of the violence is graphic and disturbing, and it may be too intense for some viewers.
One of the most disturbing scenes in the film is when Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is beaten up by a group of teenagers. The scene is graphic and realistic, and it shows Arthur being punched, kicked, and stomped on. The scene is particularly disturbing because it is clear that Arthur is defenseless and that the teenagers are enjoying hurting him.
Another disturbing scene in the film is when Arthur kills his former co-worker, Randall (Glenn Fleshler). Arthur stabs Randall to death with a pair of scissors, and the scene is graphic and bloody. The scene is particularly disturbing because it is clear that Arthur is enjoying killing Randall.
The film also contains several scenes of gun violence. In one scene, Arthur shoots and kills three people on a subway train. The scene is graphic and disturbing, and it shows the victims being shot in the head and chest. The scene is particularly disturbing because it is clear that Arthur is targeting innocent people.
Parents should be aware that the film's violence is strong and disturbing, and that it may be too intense for some viewers.
Disturbing behavior
In addition to its strong violence, Joker also contains several scenes of disturbing behavior. This includes scenes of mental illness, self-harm, and child abuse.
One of the most disturbing scenes in the film is when Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is seen laughing uncontrollably in public. The scene is particularly disturbing because it is clear that Arthur is not in control of his laughter and that he is deeply disturbed.
Another disturbing scene in the film is when Arthur cuts his own face with a razor blade. The scene is graphic and bloody, and it is clear that Arthur is enjoying hurting himself. The scene is particularly disturbing because it suggests that Arthur is self-destructive and that he may be a danger to himself and others.
The film also contains a scene of child abuse. In the scene, Arthur's mother, Penny (Frances Conroy), is seen beating him with a belt. The scene is disturbing because it shows the physical and emotional abuse that Arthur has suffered throughout his life. The scene is particularly disturbing because it suggests that Arthur's mental illness may be the result of the abuse he suffered as a child.
Parents should be aware that the film contains several scenes of disturbing behavior, including scenes of mental illness, self-harm, and child abuse.
Frequent use of strong language
The film Joker contains frequent use of strong language, including the use of profanities and racial slurs. The language is often used in a derogatory and offensive manner, and it may be upsetting to some viewers.
One of the most common profanities used in the film is the word "fuck." The word is used over 50 times in the film, often in a very aggressive and vulgar manner. The word is also used in a derogatory way to refer to women and minorities.
Another common profanity used in the film is the word "shit." The word is used over 20 times in the film, often in a very casual and dismissive manner. The word is also used in a derogatory way to refer to people and things.
In addition to profanities, the film also contains several racial slurs. The most common slur used in the film is the word "n*****." The word is used several times in the film, often in a very hateful and demeaning manner. The word is also used in a derogatory way to refer to African Americans.
Parents should be aware that the film contains frequent use of strong language, including the use of profanities and racial slurs. The language is often used in a derogatory and offensive manner, and it may be upsetting to some viewers.