: Techniques such as holding shots longer than expected and sudden cuts to black are used to create an unsettling, anxiety-inducing tone that forces the audience to view the world through Arthur's fractured perspective [4].
Todd Phillips' (often referred to as Coringa in Portuguese-speaking regions) is a visceral psychological thriller that reimagines the origin of DC Comics' most iconic villain as a gritty, character-driven tragedy [29]. Set in a decaying 1981 Gotham City, the film strips away traditional superhero tropes to explore the systemic neglect and mental health struggles of Arthur Fleck [17, 26]. Narrative and Performance Coringa 2019
The story follows Arthur Fleck, a socially isolated party clown and aspiring stand-up comedian [29]. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an Academy Award-winning performance as Arthur, portraying him as a physically emaciated man suffering from a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable laughter [27, 29]. As Gotham's social services are cut and Arthur faces constant bullying, his fragile psyche shatters, leading to a violent descent into madness [21, 26]. Artistic Direction and Tone : Techniques such as holding shots longer than