Joker Plot Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What primary health issue does Arthur Fleck struggle with, necessitating medication?

  • A neurological disorder causing uncontrollable laughing fits. (correct)
  • Severe anxiety attacks triggered by social interactions.
  • Chronic depression exacerbated by poverty and isolation.
  • A degenerative muscle condition causing mobility issues.

What motivates Randall to provide Arthur with a revolver?

  • Randall is secretly working for a criminal organization and needs Arthur as an operative.
  • Randall sympathizes with Arthur's struggles and aims to protect him from further attacks. (correct)
  • Randall is aware of Arthur's suppressed anger and intends to incite violence.
  • Randall fears being targeted himself and wants Arthur to act as a deterrent.

How does Thomas Wayne's public reaction to the subway murders influence Gotham City?

  • His condemnation is seen as hypocritical which fuels protests and inspires clown mask wearing. (correct)
  • His condemnation eases public fears, leading to increased support for his mayoral campaign.
  • His condemnation is largely ignored as the city descends further into chaos and apathy.
  • His empathy for the victims leads to improved social services and mental health programs.

What is the immediate consequence for Arthur when budget cuts eliminate his social services program?

<p>He can no longer afford his medication, exacerbating his mental state. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What leads Arthur to visit Wayne Manor and encounter Bruce Wayne?

<p>He wants to confront Thomas Wayne about the rumors of their familial connection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is revealed about Penny Fleck's past when Arthur visits Arkham State Hospital?

<p>She was a delusional narcissist who imagined an intimate relationship with Thomas Wayne. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Sophie Dumond in Arthur's life, and what does Arthur discover about their relationship?

<p>Sophie is a figment of Arthur's imagination; their relationship does not exist in reality. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What prompts Arthur to ultimately murder his mother, Penny Fleck?

<p>She represents a source of lies and trauma that Arthur can no longer endure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Arthur spare his ex-colleague, Gary Puddles, after stabbing Randall?

<p>Gary was kind to Arthur in the past, unlike Randall, who was cruel. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the riots across Gotham City following Arthur's appearance on Murray Franklin's show?

<p>Arthur's confession to the subway murders and his anti-establishment rant. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Arthur asking Murray Franklin to introduce him as 'Joker'?

<p>It is a demand for recognition and acceptance after being ridiculed by Murray. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the clown protesters react when one of them is accidentally killed by a detective on the train?

<p>They retaliate by attacking the detectives, escalating the chaos. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolic meaning of Arthur smearing blood on his face into a smile at the end of the film?

<p>It symbolizes his victory and transformation into the Joker persona. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Arthur's failed stand-up routine at the comedy club contribute to his overall character development?

<p>It demonstrates his inability to connect with others, highlighting his isolation and mental instability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Arthur is fired from his job as a party clown?

<p>He accidentally drops his gun while performing at a children's hospital. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before his breakdown, what is Arthur’s stated ambition in life?

<p>To bring laughter and joy to the world as a comedian. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the city's economic state impact Arthur's personal circumstances?

<p>The recession and budget cuts directly affect his access to crucial social services and medication. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does Murray Franklin, Arthur's idol, play in Arthur's transformation?

<p>Murray's public ridiculing of Arthur exacerbates his feelings of worthlessness and anger. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the film portray the theme of social isolation in Arthur's life?

<p>Arthur's mental health struggles and societal neglect contribute to his profound isolation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Arthur hope to gain by pursuing a relationship with Sophie?

<p>Companionship and a sense of normalcy, escaping his isolation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Arthur react violently towards the three Wayne Enterprises employees on the subway?

<p>They physically assault and mock him while he is vulnerable and still in his clown makeup. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Arthur's reaction to reading his mother's file at Arkham State Hospital reveal about his mental state?

<p>It causes him to question his own sanity and recognize the extent of his mental illness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the subway murders in Gotham’s societal context?

<p>They spark a class conflict and inspire others to embrace similar vigilante behaviours. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What underlying theme explores the cycle of abuse and its impact on mental health?

<p>The theme of trauma focuses on the impact his childhood shaped his mental state. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Arthur’s neurological condition influence his perception by broader society?

<p>It isolates him further due to stigma. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the film explore the theme of identity?

<p>By contrasting Arthur’s real identity from the societal one. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the ending of the film contribute to the overall narrative?

<p>It shows Gotham entering a new era of dark chaos. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Arthur’s relationship with his mother?

<p>Arthur cares but is exploited, which leads to tension and tragedy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What societal commentary does the film provide?

<p>Addresses the gaps in the system and consequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Gotham City's environment impact Arthur's mental deterioration?

<p>Gotham’s corruption amplifies Arthur's mental health struggles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the film portray mental health?

<p>Mental health is stigmatized and misunderstood. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Thomas Wayne’s actions contribute to Gotham becoming worse?

<p>Thomas neglects those that exist outside of his circle. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What narrative purpose does Gotham’s state create in the film?

<p>The state acts like a pressure cooker for mental health. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the perspective of others shape the story?

<p>By highlighting the complexity in society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the film present the idea that the past can influence the future?

<p>By showcasing the importance of family origins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Arthur attempt to find belonging?

<p>By creating an illusion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What system ultimately failed Arthur?

<p>The social system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Arthur Fleck's disorder

A neurological disorder causing random, uncontrollable laughing fits.

Randall Kleinmanhoffer

Arthur's coworker who gives him a revolver.

Sophie Dumond

A single mother and Arthur's neighbor.

Thomas Wayne

Billionaire mayoral candidate, also rumored to be the father of Arthur

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Arkham State Hospital

The asylum where Penny Fleck's file is located, revealing secrets.

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Penny Fleck

Arthur's mother, who has a history of mental illness and delusions.

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Murray Franklin

A popular late-night talk show host who mocks Arthur.

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Subway murders

The act that sets off city-wide riots and solidifies Arthur's transformation.

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Joker

The identity Arthur embraces, symbolizing chaos and rebellion.

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Study Notes

  • The story follows Arthur Fleck, a party clown and aspiring stand-up comedian in Gotham City.
  • Gotham City is plagued by crime and economic recession.
  • Arthur has a neurological disorder causing uncontrollable laughing fits.
  • Arthur relies on social services for medication to manage his condition.
  • Arthur's co-worker Randall Kleinmanhoffer, gives him a revolver after he is attacked by street youths.
  • Arthur pursues a relationship with his neighbor, Sophie Dumond.
  • Arthur invites Sophie to his comedy club routine.
  • Arthur is fired after accidentally dropping his gun at a children's hospital.
  • Three drunk Wayne Investments businessmen mock and assault Arthur on the subway.
  • Arthur shoots two of the businessmen in self-defense and murders the third.
  • Thomas Wayne, a billionaire mayoral candidate, condemns the killings.
  • Supporters begin wearing clown masks in Arthur's image in response to the killings.
  • Budget cuts lead to the shutdown of Arthur's social services program, leaving him without medication.
  • Sophie attends Arthur's stand-up routine, which is unsuccessful.
  • Arthur discovers a letter indicating that he is Thomas Wayne's illegitimate son.
  • Arthur confronts his mother, Penny, about the letter and his parentage.
  • Arthur meets Bruce Wayne at Wayne Manor but flees after an altercation with Alfred Pennyworth.
  • Penny suffers a stroke and is hospitalized.
  • Murray Franklin, a talk show host, mocks Arthur's failed performance on his show, calling him "joker".
  • Arthur confronts Thomas Wayne, who denies being his father and claims Penny is not his biological mother.
  • Arthur access Penny's file at Arkham State Hospital, revealing that she is a delusional narcissist.
  • Penny imagined an intimate relationship with Thomas, believing Arthur to be their son.
  • Penny raised Arthur with an abusive boyfriend, leading to his neurological disorder.
  • Arthur enters Sophie's apartment unannounced, she ask him to leave, indicating their relationship was a figment of his imagination.
  • Arthur smothers Penny with a pillow at the hospital.
  • Arthur is invited onto Murray's show.
  • Arthur stabs Randall to death but spares Gary Puddles.
  • Detectives pursue Arthur onto a train filled with clown protesters.
  • Arthur instigates a brawl, resulting in the accidental death of a protester.
  • The other protesters proceed to beat the detectives while Arthur escapes.
  • Arthur asks Murray to introduce him as "Joker" during the show.
  • Arthur tells morbid jokes, confesses to the subway murders, and rants about societal neglect.
  • Arthur shoots and kills Murray during the live broadcast.
  • Arthur is arrested, and riots break out across the city.
  • Looters crash an ambulance into the police car carrying Arthur and free him.
  • A rioter murders Thomas and Martha Wayne in front of Bruce.
  • Arthur dances on top of the police car and smears blood on his face into a smile.

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