Joker (2019): 8 Major Problems No One Wants To Admit

3. Joker's Manifesto Makes No Sense

Joker's appearance on the Murray Franklin show is simultaneously one of the film's best and yet also worst moments; best, because it's stunningly shot and the tension is palpable, and worst, because Joker lays down his manifesto in truly bizarre fashion.

In a brief moment of lucidity, Arthur confesses his crimes live on air and lays down his own rationale clearly and succinctly for all to see. He talks about the subjectivity of comedy, and when provoked by DeNiro's character, launches into a full blown tirade that reads less like a spontaneous reaction, and more like a considered response.

Arthur attains a level of clarity in this sequence that contradicts his entire being up until this point, and while the comments he makes on comedy could be seen like a part of his 'performance' live on air, the angry prelude to his shooting of Murray emerges pretty much out of nothing.

It's also seemingly at odds with his comments on politics when he arrives on set. Arthur maintains that he isn't a political figure - an inherently Joker-y thing to say, it must be said - but clearly goes on to reiterate the frustrations conveyed by Gotham's clown movement thereafter.