Released in 2019, the movie Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, made headlines for its polarizing reception and massive box office success exceeding $1 billion worldwide. The film, a gritty supervillain origin story, delves into the character of Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, and his descent into becoming the iconic Joker.
While some praised the film for its social-realist approach and bold take on Batman lore intertwined with a dark portrayal of contemporary America, others criticized it for its depiction of incel culture and its handling of themes related to masculinity and violence.
