On Episode 362 of The Harold & Maudecast, Sarah and Jake review, Joker. Fledgling comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) has been bullied and disregarded his whole life. After an escalating series of abuse and a very public shaming by his comic idol, Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro), Arthur begins a bloody, destructive revolt against society. This dark path he chooses leads him to embrace his alter-ego: "The Joker". Director Todd Phillips' (The Hangover trilogy), take on the DC character is now the highest grossing R rated movie of all time. More Taxi Drive than Dark Knight, Joker unravels the layers of the character, driven by one of the greatest performances in movie history. Phoenix's Joker never diminishes the brilliance of Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson's performances. In his committed, conscientious performance he reminds us that the Joker is one of greatest fictional characters of all time. Please give this man an Oscar. Spoiler Level: Moderate For more episodes and other podcasts including our interview with Joker cinematographer, Lawrence Sher, visit thehmcnetwork.com and sign up for our updates!