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    Batman: The Killing Joke

    Reviewed by
    adamwatchesmovies@

    WARNING: This review is hidden because it reveals the content of the film.
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    One day in theatres and “Batman: The Killing Joke” is already stirring up controversy. There’s a lot to say about this film so I’ll try to be concise. What we have here is a faithful adaptation of the Alan Moore & Brian Bolland graphic novel with some changes that in some ways make it a better movie and in others make it fall short of the original work.

    The film is split into two parts. The first follows Batgirl (voiced by Tara Strong) as she confronts a crime lord who has developed a dangerous obsession with her. The second half focuses on the Joker (voiced by Mark Hamill) who has embarked on a twisted mission. He seeks to prove that he and us, we’re not so different. All that it takes to make a regular person fall off the deep end is one bad day. Kevin Conroy reprises his role voicing Batman and Ray Wise voices Commissioner Gordon.

    If you’re familiar with the novel, the storyline focusing on Batgirl will come as a surprise. I find this a welcome addition. Not to criticize the Eisner Award-winning tome, but If you are unfamiliar with the characters within the DC Universe, I don’t think that Batgirl/Barbara Gordon’s fate at the end of the book will have that much of an impact on you. Not unless you’ve read some of her other adventures. Here, you will. Batgirl is not simply a throwaway character. She’s shown as an inexperienced but competent crime fighter who tests her limits, grows as the story unfolds and has an identity all her own. She’s not merely an offshoot of Batman. If you’re sitting with the book in-hand you’ll grow somewhat restless waiting for the “real story” to begin, but when it does, I think it makes it that much more shocking. The fact that they’re unconnected makes it feel like a random tragedy, something that could happen to anyone and that’s scary.

    “The Killing Joke” is a tremendously influential book and you’ve seen elements of it many times, but it’s nonetheless striking here. This is a horror story, a tale about sinking into the depths of Hell and hoping to emerge with your sanity intact. The film does lose something by being animated however. Instead of having to physically turn the page at your own pace, being forced to linger on the wordier panels it passes by you at movie-speed. Additionally, the fact that Brian Bolland’s realistic artwork is simplified makes some of the events feel lesser. Grotesque developments don’t seem as real. Then again, the juxtaposition of animation and adult themes including extortion, obsession, murder, torture and madness might make for a clash that will make what happens in this story that much more disturbing. Either way, there are still some nightmare-inducing shots you’ll never be able to forget. I found a song-and-dance number by the Joker much more effective here, being actually sung, than on paper.

    SPOILER ALERT

    One development I feel necessary to address comes about 2/3 of the way into the film. Batman is interrogating a group of prostitutes about the whereabouts of the Joker. One line in particular that “He must’ve gotten his fix from a new girl” has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. Many see it as an implication that Barbara was raped. I can see how you would interpret it as such, but I don’t think that’s the case. Sure it COULD mean that, but as traumatic as that would be, there would be some level of understanding to such a crime. What we have here is so much more sinister. Grinding down the sanity of those around him, that’s the Joker’s “fix”. Most frightening is that it’s working on you. Your mind is going to that “worst case” scenario by default instead of listening to your instincts. Any effort to understand why such a mortifying action was taken will not cease tormenting you, just like the characters of Batman and Gordon.

    SPOILERS END

    A big part of this story’s success is due to the voice actors, who are fully committed to their craft. There’s an undeniable love for this project from everyone involved. I give credit to “The Killing Joke” for making the stakes feel more intense, for handling this adult story in a mature way and for having a painstaking attention to detail. It does not surpass the work it is based on, but “Batman: The Killing Joke” is a well-made film. (Theatrical version on the big screen, July 25, 2016)

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    adamwatchesmovies@  1.8.2016 age: 26-35 2,867 reviews

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