Reflections on “Joker” and Its Legacy

I watched “Joker,” but it wasn’t in the cinema; it was months later at my home. I usually saw it in some theater at Galería 360 or the Sambil plaza. That weekend, I sat in my living room, made popcorn, and was anxious to watch the film. From the moment I turned off the lights, I knew I was about to witness something impactful.

The first thing I noticed on one of the gates was something I really like: graffiti and the signature RAY, which seemed to coincide with the movie. I took a photo to send to a friend. Joaquin Phoenix’s performance, so visceral and heart-wrenching, pulled me into the torment of Arthur Fleck, a man trapped in a world that seemed to turn its back on him.

As the story unfolded, the sense of anguish and desperation was palpable. It was not just a tale about a villain, but a profound study of loneliness, alienation, and the desire to be seen—something very similar to those who create graffiti anonymously on the streets, seeking to be noticed in a society where almost no one pays attention to anyone.

When I finished watching the movie, the internal questions I was asking myself were complex. I felt moved and even identified with the character in some ways. I understood why others debated so much on social media about the glorification of violence. “Joker” had done what few films achieve: not only entertain but also provoke an urgent dialogue about mental health and the crisis of modern society. The film had become a cultural phenomenon, resonating deeply at a time when many felt their voices were ignored.

That same night, I went to visit an expo in the colonial zone of Santo Domingo. After saying goodbye to my friends, with whom I discussed the film, I started walking through the streets. I couldn’t stop thinking about how many people in my country were in the same situation as Arthur Fleck. As I walked, I noticed the omnipresence of the Joker. Posters, memes, and references were everywhere. The image of Arthur Fleck, with his clown makeup and lost gaze, became a symbol of rebellion and discontent, representing those who feel marginalized. Social media exploded with interpretations and critiques, reflecting how the film had captured the zeitgeist of a time marked by agitation.

With the news of the second part’s release, the anticipation in the air was palpable. During the year of the first film’s release, I even dared to travel from New Jersey to the location of a scene between two blocks of buildings at 1170 Shakespeare Avenue, north of Grand Concourse, in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx. I took photos and performed the famous dance.

Now I wondered: how could they surpass the complexity and intensity of the first installment? The audience, so immersed in Arthur’s emotional journey, questioned what new dimensions would be explored in this sequel. Some hoped for a continuation that would delve even deeper into the character’s psychology, while others feared the story might deviate from what made “Joker” so special.

The speculation was frantic. Would we see Arthur facing the consequences of his transformation? Or would a new narrative challenge the perception of the villain? Many were also reflecting on the cultural context in which this sequel would be released. With the growing interest in mental health issues and the fight against inequality, the film would have the opportunity to touch sensitive chords in contemporary society.

At the same time, there was an air of caution. Following the overwhelming success of the first film, there was immense pressure on the creators to deliver something that was not only entertaining but also resonated in a world that continues to grapple with its own demons. The audience desired authenticity, a story that would continue to challenge conventions and explore the harsher realities of human existence.

With each passing day, anticipation grew, but so did the questions. Would “Joker 2” be a mirror reflecting our reality? Would it maintain the complexity that made the first installment resonate so deeply? As I delved into these thoughts, I couldn’t help but feel excited.

In the end, cinema has always been a place for exploring the human condition, and “Joker 2” could be an opportunity to continue peeling back the layers of our own reality, facing shadows with courage and authenticity. With the arrival of the sequel, the world would be watching.

The legacy of the Joker, in all its complexities, would continue to be a constant conversation, a reminder that in the pursuit of understanding, we often must look at the darker parts of ourselves. Thus, as I await the premiere, I feel ready to dive back into that narrative, hoping it continues to challenge us all to see beyond the surface. But for me, as always, sequels are usually unnecessary.