INSIDER Autumn 2019 | Page 26

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT THE INSIDER What’s On Screen? October 2019 With October around the corner most would expect horror films to dominate the box office, but not so much this time around. Despite the booming box office results from last month’s IT: Chapter Two, there isn’t much to be scared of this Halloween season… except yet another Disney live action film. The Personal History of David Copperfield – (October 2 nd ). The Classic Dickens novel is being brought back to life on the big screen, following the titular character on his journeys in London. Whilst it stars the likes of Dev Patel, Tilda Swinton and Peter Capaldi, I don’t have very “Great Expectations” … Gemini Man – (October 11 th ). After his performance in Aladdin earlier this year, its refreshing to see the Fresh Prince Will Smith return to the screen in a serious role. Gemini Man follows Henry Smith, a retired sharp shooter aged 53, being hunted by a younger clone of himself. Director Ang Lee used motion captures of Smith to create the younger clone of him, Junior, Hollywood’s first fully digital human character. Whilst it takes more than special effects to create a great film, judging from early screening reviews I think it’s definitely worth a watch. Joker – (October 4 th ). Judy – (October 4 th ). Judy follows the story of Judy Garland, years after starring as the beloved Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Its London, 1968 and Garland arrives to perform in a number of sold out concerts. Set a year before Garland’s accidental lethal overdose, Renée Zellweger’s performance promises to bring a depth of empathy to Garland’s final struggles. I believe that Judy will be just a heel- click of ruby slippers away from award nominations this year. The prize jewel of this month, of course, is Joker. Phoenix steps into the oversized clown shoes of the Joker, the greatest enemy of the caped crusader. Phoenix plays failed comedian Arthur Fleck, who is driven criminally insane and becomes the Clown Prince of Crime. Director Todd Phillips claimed that Joker is “not your typical superhero super villain movie, it’s really much more of a character study”. It promises to subvert our expectations of the character and will cause us to empathise with Arthur until we simply no longer can. What really appeals to me about this film is its clear influences from Martin Scorsese films like Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy. For one, the concept of a failed comedian using criminal methods to get noticed from The King of Comedy sounds very fitting for Joker. It even has Robert DeNiro playing a comedy show host! After its screening at Venice Film Festival and receiving an 8-minute standing ovation from the audience, I think it’s safe to say that Joker will be laughing its way to the awards shows… Joaquin Phoenix in full clown attire.