EXISTENTIALISM IN TODD PHILLIPS' JOKER (2019): AN ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN CHARACTER’S SEARCH FOR AUTHENTICITY

Dwiyanti, Anita

ELLITE: Journal of Education, Linguistics, Literature and Language Teaching
Vol 8 No 01 (2025): JURNAL ELLITE ( JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, LINGUISTICS,LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE TEACHI

This study explores existentialist themes in Joker (2019), specifically Arthur Fleck's quest for authenticity in an indifferent, chaotic world. Through the lens of Sartrean and Camusian existentialism, the paper examines how Fleck’s experiences of isolation, alienation, and social rejection reflect fundamental existentialist struggles. The analysis reveals how Gotham's societal structures—rife with inequality and political disenfranchisement—intensify Fleck's internal conflicts and push him toward his transformation. This paper contributes to existing literature by emphasizing a philosophical analysis that situates Joker within existential discourse.