In the 2019 movie "Joker," directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, the titular character, the lines between delusion and reality are intentionally blurred to provide a deep and immersive psychological narrative. Throughout the film, the audience is taken on a journey through Arthur Fleck's troubled mind as he descends into madness and embraces his alter ego, the Joker. As a result, it can be challenging to definitively distinguish between what is delusional and what is real. Here's a breakdown of some key elements:
Delusion: Arthur's Relationship with Sophie Dumond In the movie, Arthur develops a seemingly romantic relationship with his neighbor, Sophie Dumond (played by Zazie Beetz). They share moments together, and Arthur believes that Sophie genuinely cares for him. However, it is revealed later in the film that the entire relationship was a delusion. Arthur had imagined their interactions, and Sophie was never romantically involved with him. This twist emphasizes Arthur's deteriorating mental state and the extent of his disconnection from reality.
Delusion: Arthur's Stand-Up Comedy Career Arthur aspires to become a successful stand-up comedian, and he often daydreams about his imagined appearances on the Murray Franklin Show. In his fantasies, he receives applause and admiration from the audience. However, in reality, his comedy performances are met with awkward silence and discomfort, highlighting the contrast between his delusions and the harsh realities of his life.
Reality: Arthur's Neglect and Abuse The movie depicts the harsh realities of Arthur's life, including his struggles with mental illness, poverty, and neglect. He faces abuse and mistreatment from society, leading to his gradual breakdown and transformation into the Joker.
Reality: Thomas Wayne's Political Ambitions In the film, Thomas Wayne (played by Brett Cullen) is portrayed as a wealthy and powerful figure running for mayor of Gotham City. His actions and policies are shown to be out of touch with the struggles of the lower classes, which contributes to the rising tension and discontent among Gotham's citizens. The portrayal of Thomas Wayne's political ambitions is presented as part of the movie's social commentary.
Delusion vs. Reality: The Climactic Scene on the Murray Franklin Show One of the most significant delusion-versus-reality moments occurs during Arthur's appearance on the Murray Franklin Show. His initial appearance on the show is real, where he admits to the murders he has committed and justifies his actions, fueling the chaos that is unfolding in Gotham City. However, the subsequent moments where he shares jokes and interacts with the audience, especially his final standoff with Murray Franklin (played by Robert De Niro), are open to interpretation. Some interpret these scenes as real, while others view them as part of Arthur's delusional experience.
"Joker" deliberately blurs the lines between Arthur Fleck's delusions and reality, leaving much of the interpretation up to the audience. This ambiguity adds to the film's psychological intensity and invites