Ace in the hole: media panics, muted voices, and anxieties of consumption in the reception of Joker. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mathijs, Ernest
• Is Part Of: New review of film and television studies. Volume 19:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Reception studies -- film criticism -- media panic -- genre cinema -- cult cinema; Motion pictures -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Film criticism -- Periodicals; Television -- Periodicals; Television criticism -- Periodicals; 302.234
• DOI: 10.1080/17400309.2020.1861890
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-0309

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This essay contrasts components of the reception of Joker : the media panic which accompanied its release, the muted reception following its theatrical and home-viewing releases, and its anxious reception contexts. These processes showcase how Joker 's reception became 'normalized', neutered and made to fit into categories of mediated debate dictated by standards of public discourse from which many potential participants felt shut out – or, not unlike Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) in the film, relegated to 'Late Late Show' fall guy appearances.