The first and most important issue is that Joaquin Phoenix played the hell out of the role of Joker. His physicality is what struck me most. The way he moved, the little idiosyncrasies. He was all in to the character. The filmmakers really took the time to think through all of Joker's motivation. All of the issues that created him both internally and externally. I was really surprised that social issues were such a strong back drop for Joker's development. Joker will cause conflict with the viewer cause he is a very sympathetic character. The audience wants to support the Joker. The great conflict now comes will that support, as twisted as it is, and some justified really trump the reason, rise and support for the creation of Batman. Right now it seems that support is more for the Joker seeing all that he has gone through. He represents all the poor, abused, the uncared for, forgotten and downtrodden of our society. The invisible people we don't see everyday. Bruce Wayne comes from a place of security and support. Is his tragedy more important, more horrific than the Joker?
