Originally Posted by
Blind Wedjat
Thread is already starting to devolve into a repetitive tone I've been seeing way too much of all over CBR forums as of late.
Anyway, a few things I'd like to add:
- If you see anyone talking about this movie being their "Black Panther" and how it helped them get over a "Veronica" and making a connection to "oppressed gamers", understand that it's all a meme. It's meant to be mocking gamer guys who lack social skills and complain about being oppressed by the media because they are (sometimes wrongfully) blamed for a lot of societal problems, like bigotry or gun violence. It's also meant to be mocking incels.
- Speaking of incels, they are the ones that named themselves that. Incels are guys that feel because of their physical unattractiveness, financial status or social capabilities they are denied by society from having sex with women, and believe women and sex are things they should be entitled to because they believe they are nice gentlemen, but women are dumb and go for "Chads" physically attractive men that do not respect women and treat them badly (ha, the irony). Furthermore, incels are notably prone to violence and have been inspired by committing acts of violence before. Look no further than Elliot Rodger, the first incel the world was really exposed to when he shot and killed multiple women because they were good looking but refused to give him any attention. His manifesto is the backbone of incel culture. There was also a similar incel happening months ago.
- From what I have read from some spoiler reviews and the alleged leaked script, Joker does contain elements that can be seen as being related to or even a commentary on incel culture (which I wouldn't spoil). In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if this was done on purpose, which is why I don't understand why some people are upset or offended that reviewers are pointing this out. This is a cautionary tale, isn't it? That's what it's supposed to do: shed light on people like this because they exist. Maybe the film is making a mistake by making you feel sympathetic towards Arthur, but I think anyone whose moral compass is intact should understand that while Arthur may be a victim to an ignorant society and abusive treatment, he is continuing a cycle or abusive and violence by doing what he does. If you can see that, then the movie has done its job. However it should also be pointed out that the last thing a movie wants to do is victim-blame, which is what some reviewers are afraid the film does by making Arthur sympathetic. But again, this kind of controversy is expected for a film trying to say bold things like these, so I don't understand why some people are upset by it.
With all that being said, it seems that by large Joker is a success. It's tracking well at the box office, has critical acclaim, and is bound to do well at the awards circuit. There's nothing to be afraid of. DC has a win on their hands here.