The People's Joker is a superhero parody/coming-of-age film about the journey of trans woman Joker the Harlequin(Vera Drew also director/co-writer/editor). Through a smorgasbord of visual styles and references Drew brings an irreverent, gonzo take on the Batman comics with a beating heart and surprising pathos. She achieves a precarious ADHD narrative alchemy that is utterly unique.
Visually sumptuous to the point of being at times overwhelming with performances which are effective but that are occasionally so exaggerated it shifts into performance art creating its own kind of mode. The soundtrack has some real bops, a handful performed by Drew herself which are the highlights. There's lots of green screen, tons of 2D and 3D animation in various styles, puppetry, prosthetic work, excellent make-up design, it's a more-is-more approach and it can feel cacophonous but it works.
A singular piece of cinema, galvanic, potent, a stunning debut from Vera Drew.
Currently streaming on MUBI and available to rent on most VOD platforms.
Don't Miss It.
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