Is Arthur Fleck the True Joker? Exploring the Themes in Todd Phillips' Films

This article delves into a spoiler-filled exploration of the Joker films by Todd Phillips. We'll uncover why Arthur Fleck cannot be considered the 'true' Joker, explore the deeper societal critiques in the films, and address related themes.

Why Arthur Fleck Is Not the True Joker

Arthur Fleck is not the true Joker. This was confirmed by Todd Phillips post the release of Joker's sequel. The film, titled Joker, is not about the rise of a supervillain, but rather focuses on the allegorical journey of Arthur Fleck as a person living in contemporary society. The two movies are reflections of society's embrace of a more victim mentality.

The Dark Knight and Early Joker Memes

Even before the first Joker movie, online memes about the Joker were being shared, making the character relatable to the average person. This phenomenon emerged after Christopher Nolan's film The Dark Knight. Arthur Fleck's appearance and mannerisms in the film are reminiscent of the Joker portrayed by Heath Ledger in that same movie, suggesting these movies might be inspired by the message of pushing the boundaries of playing the game of victimhood.

A Heady Mix of Virtue and Vengeance

Arthur Fleck ultimately meets his demise because he realizes that he is not loved for who he is, but for the persona he adopted, which people admire to lash out at society. By taking responsibility for his actions, he ceases to play the victim and meets a tragic end for his newfound integrity. The film highlights the darker aspects of society where those who seek to change it for the better often find themselves victims themselves.

Surprising Reveal of the Joker’s Identity

The identity of the true Joker is a pivotal piece of information in the films. In the earlier Joker film, the character named Arthur Fleck notably does not become the Joker. Instead, the movie shows that the Joker (with no named reference) is powerless and confined in an asylum. In his final moments before a meeting with his doctor, he imagines a powerful figure like him. He envisions this person obtaining power and, at the end of his imagined story, realizes his own path. He then laughs, his analyst asks him what the joke is, but he replies, "I wouldn't get it," before violently assaulting or killing his analyst and fleeing. This point clearly marks that Arthur Fleck, as he is, is not the true Joker.

Societal Critiques and Mental Health

The Joker films critique society for its embrace of a victim mentality. The Joker is no longer seen as the supervillain Batman’s greatest nemesis, but rather a reflection of societal ills where individuals feel justified in expressing their anger or dissatisfaction. The mental health aspect of Arthur Fleck further emphasizes the film’s critique on how society often sympathizes with villains instead of understanding and addressing the root causes of their actions.

Key Takeaways

The true Joker is not Arthur Fleck but a powerful, reimagined figure inspired by him. Joker critiques society for its victim mentality and the perceived justice of villainy. The film's exploration of mental health and societal pressures provides a deep critique of current societal structures.

The Joker films by Todd Phillips are more than just an inquiry into the origins of the iconic villain; they are intricate explorations of society, mental health, and the human struggle to find significance. While Arthur Fleck is a pivotal character, the true story is a broader critique of contemporary societal issues.