While Joaquin Phoenix once again delivered a haunting performance as Arthur Fleck, the decision to make this sequel a musical seemed distracting. However, Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker remains deeply compelling. The character’s tragic backstory and the psychological unraveling of Arthur Fleck are the heart of the film. Arthur’s descent into madness isn’t just the result of individual struggles—it’s shaped by deep trauma, systemic neglect, and a profound sense of injustice. I will just state the obvious in this article but will argue against Fleck being a narcissist.
Arthur Fleck’s transformation into the Joker can be attributed to his abusive upbringing, mental illness, and societal failures. As a child, Arthur suffered physical and emotional abuse. This trauma scarred him deeply, leaving him emotionally stunted and vulnerable. Arthur’s condition, which manifests as uncontrollable fits of laughter likely caused by pseudobulbar affect, further alienated him from society and made him hide behind the joker personality. People around him don’t understand his disorder, and in the harsh, gritty streets of Gotham in the 1970s, this only makes him a target for ridicule and bullying.
The time plays a critical role in shaping Arthur’s life. The 1970s were a time of economic decay, urban crime, and social unrest, especially in cities like Gotham (a thinly veiled reference to New York City). The world Arthur inhabits is broken—garbage fills the streets, workers strike, and the wealth gap grows wider by the day. In this environment, Arthur’s mental health goes unchecked, and his access to therapy and medication is cut off as the city’s services collapse. In many ways, he is a product of his environment—cast aside by a society that no longer cares for its most vulnerable members.
His attempts to connect with others, like his dream of becoming a comedian, fail miserably. People mock him for his laughter, humiliate him in public, and betray him at every turn. Over time, Arthur begins to feel that society is conspiring against him—and that everyone, from talk show hosts like Murray Franklin to wealthy elites like Thomas Wayne, is part of a system designed to keep people like him down. His sense of injustice grows, fueling his transformation into the Joker, where violence becomes his way of expressing his rage at a world that has abandoned him.
Arthur’s existential isolation—feeling disconnected from the world and from others—becomes both a cause and effect of his descent into madness. This isolation traps Arthur in a vicious cycle: the more he is rejected and ridiculed, the more isolated he becomes. The more isolated he feels, the more his mental state deteriorates, leading him to act out in ways that further alienate him from society. Over time, his identity fractures, and Arthur becomes the Joker, entirely giving in to the chaos he feels inside. His violent outbursts are not just a cry for attention but a desperate, distorted attempt to reclaim power over his life. This descent illustrates how cycles of rejection and isolation can exacerbate mental health conditions, pushing a person further into dangerous territory.
Ad: Visit HealoVerse to explore the AI-powered VR Psychotherapy in combination with at-home ketamine
In many conversations, I have heard the suggestion that Arthur fits the profile of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), especially in his growing delusions of grandeur. However, labeling Arthur simply as a narcissist misses key aspects of his character. Narcissists lack true empathy, but Arthur does show glimpses of it. One pivotal moment in the film comes after a brutal act of violence, where Arthur spares Gary, a midget coworker who was kind to him. This act of selective compassion is important. It shows that Arthur’s empathy isn’t completely dead—he can still feel for those he sees as fellow sufferers, people like him who are mocked and oppressed.
Arthur’s empathy is not universal, though. It is reserved for those he views as part of his “tribe”—the downtrodden, the bullied, and the marginalized. Meanwhile, he reserves his hatred for the wealthy, the powerful, and those who humiliate or mock him. This selective empathy complicates the idea that Arthur is simply a narcissist. His violence isn’t driven by grandiosity, but by a deep sense of betrayal. He identifies with the oppressed and turns his anger on the system and individuals he believes have conspired to keep people like him in the gutter.
Facing an Existential Crisis? Discover Clarity and Purpose with 4MEIA’s Personalized Assessment!
Arthur Fleck’s journey into becoming the Joker is the result of a Michelin-rated recipe of personal trauma, untreated mental illness, and societal failure. His tragic childhood, marked by abuse, his uncontrollable laughter caused by pseudobulbar affect, and his repeated experiences of bullying and rejection all contribute to his breakdown. The backdrop of Gotham only amplifies his feelings of isolation and rage. Arthur’s transformation into the Joker symbolizes how society’s neglect of its most vulnerable members can lead to explosive consequences.
However, while this analysis explores the reasons behind Arthur’s descent into violence, it should not be mistaken as a justification for his crimes. Understanding the psychological and social factors is important, but it does not excuse his actions. Violence, no matter the cause, cannot be justified, and Arthur’s turn to chaos and destruction only worsens the world around him.
This article is meant to provide general information and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor to discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of any treatment.
0 Comments