Something rather curious has been happening with Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in Joker – it has only been a year, but his work in the film is already subject to fervent mythologisation.
It’s understandable. The character is one of the most popular in all of cinema. And Joker, surpassing all expectations, emerged as one of the most popular movies in recent history.
Therefore, it isn’t a surprise that Phoenix, who single-handedly carried the whole endeavour, like an Atlas on steroids, has received bountiful praise for his work. As he should.
It is staggering work, a sweeping symphony of physicality, vulnerability, trepidation, melancholy, comedy and tragedy.
Every facial tick, every shrug, every nuance is all part of Phoenix’s meticulously crafted mosaic. Joaquin Phoenix is Geppetto, and Arthur Fleck his Pinocchio – Phoenix brings Arthur to life.
And now, having said all of that, I will say this – based purely on merit, Phoenix’s performance as Arthur isn’t superior to what Ledger accomplished in The Dark Knight.
Truth be told, it isn’t even Phoenix’s finest performance. Although that speaks more to his otherworldly talents as an actor and doesn’t indicate that his performance as Arthur was in any way sub-par.
I would argue that Phoenix has delivered better performances in The Master and You Were Never Really Here.
But I digress. The point is, what Ledger managed to accomplish transcended and changed the very genre. And because of his untimely death, it almost stands above any comparison.
Because if Phoenix’s work as Joker is beginning to take on mythic proportions, Ledger’s performance has been eulogised and lionised to a frankly insane scale.
Unfortunately, much of that is a consequence of his passing.
Ledger’s death has doubtless served to propagate the legend surrounding his performance, but that shouldn’t, and doesn’t, take away from the indisputable brilliance of what he accomplished with the Joker.
Ledger’s work in the interrogation scene alone is an absolute master class. It is worth preserving in a museum. It is one of the great exhibitions of contemporary acting, and one of the most exceptional performances of the 21st century.
Aside from the efficacy of his performance, Ledger’s work was featured in a movie that is widely touted as the finest in its genre. And that only adds to his legend.
The Dark Knight, and Ledger’s performance in it, changed everything. It changed how the genre was perceived and it changed actors and audience perceptions about what performances in such movies are capable of being.
Ledger changed everything.
And Phoenix said as much, as he accepted the Screen Actors Guild Award:
“I’m standing here on the shoulders of my favourite actor, Heath Ledger.”
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