I read a blog post on The Representation Project’s website last week about the recent Joker film and
its depiction of violence and misrepresentation of people dealing with mental illness. They argued that
the main character Arthur Fleck is perceived as being “on the edge” and his lack of mental stability
ultimately leads to his progressing acts of violence. I think rather than exploring the ways in which men
are discouraged from expressing emotions and being vulnerable, the movie reiterates the notion that
men must become violent when they are not in control. There was some outrage in the media from people
who survived the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting during a showing of another Batman
related film, and how they were worried that others would see the film and attempt to copycat the Joker’s
actions. Rather than attempting to shed a light on mental illness and vulnerability from men, Joker
exemplifies the ways in which society shows men how to be violent and destructive towards society.
its depiction of violence and misrepresentation of people dealing with mental illness. They argued that
the main character Arthur Fleck is perceived as being “on the edge” and his lack of mental stability
ultimately leads to his progressing acts of violence. I think rather than exploring the ways in which men
are discouraged from expressing emotions and being vulnerable, the movie reiterates the notion that
men must become violent when they are not in control. There was some outrage in the media from people
who survived the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting during a showing of another Batman
related film, and how they were worried that others would see the film and attempt to copycat the Joker’s
actions. Rather than attempting to shed a light on mental illness and vulnerability from men, Joker
exemplifies the ways in which society shows men how to be violent and destructive towards society.
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