**SPOILERS AHEAD FOR JOKER**
The movie and Phoenix's take on Joker is interesting and unlike anything we've seen before and I think the reason for that is the movie isn't based on any existing source material of the Joker. Todd Phillips, director of Joker said he took elements from The Killing Joke and it really shows in the movie, but the rest of the movie is completely original. Arthur Fleck is a outcast with mental illnesses and his constant abuse and negligent causes his decent into becoming the Joker. The movie has points were you feel uncomfortable and a little uneasy, but its one of the most vile characters in comics, so its to be expected. The ending of Arthur becoming the Joker and turning on the city and being embraced by the anarchists rioting in the streets is fantastic. The movie is good and I recommend it for any Batman or comic book fan.
The question now, is Joaquin Phoenix the best Joker we've seen? My answer is no. I still believe Heath Ledger is the best we've seen and he hasn't been topped. Phoenix and Phillips brought something new to the Joker and to Batman that I won't spoil here that made my happy as a Batman fan. It add new layers to his mythos and still left you wondering "who is the Joker?" A question that has been around for nearly 80 years.
The reason I say Heath Ledger is the best is because of his commitment to the role, he put everything into it. You could feel him in the role. His mannerisms and movements, his laugh and actions all had meaning and purpose. And some of the things that he improvised were left in because they just felt natural. He became Joker.
Phoenix definitely is high on the list of the best Jokers, but I think its going to be awhile or maybe never before we ever see someone match the caliber of Ledger's Clown Prince.
