Analysis Continued

Abuse is not directly brought up until ⅗ of the film is done but remains an indirect theme throughout the film. It was first directly told to the audience when they learned Arthur’s uncontrollable laughter was caused by an abusive boyfriend of his mother’s that beat him so significantly when he was younger, it caused him brain damage and ended up forgetting the incident. Evidence that proves abuse happens before learning of Arthur’s childhood was when he was jumped by both the kids in the beginning of the film and by the Wall Street guys. 

The process of Arthur becoming the Joker with corruption can be viewed as a theme in itself. It goes hand-to-hand with mental illness, but it also can be contributed by characters like Franklin Murray, Thomas Wayne, Wall Street guys, childhood figures and many others. They push him to his limit, corrupting him, and finally unlocking his true self to the world.  

The music in its own way is a recurring element of the movie as it changes with the progression of Arthur becoming Joker. The music changes throughout the film from sorrowful to elegant to intense. 

Cinematography is like music as it is constantly changing throughout the film to help show Arthur’s emotions and thoughts.