The Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker. The movie has been the talk of the town since its release, with its portrayal of violence and mental illness dividing audiences. One of the main questions that have arisen from this discussion is whether or not The Joker is a scary movie.
What Makes a Movie Scary
Before we answer this question, let’s take a moment to think about what makes a movie scary. Is it jump scares
Gore Psychological terror There are many factors that contribute to making a movie scary, and it often varies from person to person.
One thing that can make a movie scary for many people is the feeling of being unsettled. When we watch something that challenges our understanding of reality or morality, it can unnerve us. This feeling can come from anything from an unpredictable plot to an unsettling atmosphere.
The Joker’s Use of Tension
The Joker is not a typical horror movie, but it does use tension to create an uneasy atmosphere. From the very beginning, we see Arthur Fleck (the man who will become The Joker) struggling with mental illness and living in poverty. As he descends into madness throughout the film, we are constantly on edge, wondering what he will do next.
One scene in particular stands out as an example of how The Joker uses tension to create fear. In this scene, Arthur is on a Subway train when three men start harassing a woman.
He snaps and kills them all in cold blood while wearing his clown makeup. This scene is intense and unsettling because it shows us just how far Arthur has gone off the deep end.
The Portrayal of Mental Illness
Another factor that adds to the fear factor of The Joker is its portrayal of mental illness. Arthur is a deeply disturbed man who struggles with a variety of mental health issues. Throughout the movie, we see him become more and more unhinged as he spirals further into his illness.
Some people have criticized the movie for stigmatizing mental illness, while others argue that it portrays it realistically. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, there’s no denying that the way mental illness is portrayed in The Joker can be scary.
The Verdict
So, is The Joker a scary movie The answer to that question ultimately comes down to personal opinion. However, it’s safe to say that The Joker is an intense and unsettling movie that uses tension and mental illness to create an atmosphere of fear.
- If you’re someone who gets scared easily or doesn’t like movies with violence or disturbing themes, then you might find The Joker to be too scary for your taste.
- On the other hand, if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or movies that challenge your understanding of morality and reality, then you might find The Joker to be a terrifying masterpiece.
In conclusion,
The Joker is not a typical horror movie but has elements that can certainly make it scary. It uses tension and mental illness to create an uneasy atmosphere throughout the film. Whether or not it’s too scary for you depends entirely on your personal preferences and tolerance for disturbing themes.
