Oslo: I had mentioned that I was planning to provide a more full review of the 2021 movie of the play Oslo. It stars Ruth Wilson and Andrew Scott, both known UK actors. They play real-life Norweigian couple Mona Juul and Finn Grandal. The inspiration from checking out this film was first the atrocities that occurred on October 7th between Israel and Palestine as initiated by the Hamas government, a self proclaimed terrorist organization that is committed to wiping Israel and its people from the earth. I know so very little about the history and the region that I watched a Youtube by UK academic, diplomat, author, broadcaster, former soldier and former politician Rory Stewart. Within his 10 Minute explanation of the history between the two peoples, he had mentioned the book and play Oslo. So I wanted to better inform myself.

Back in late 1992, and into 1993, this Norweigian couple had heard that the peace talks between Israel and Palestine had gotten nowhere after years of trying, and they suggest internally another approach. Their idea is a smaller group, more one and one and have a discussion that can start with recognizing both parties as human, with families and history but more importantly discussions about high level principles. Once a base line can be established then perhaps have more higher level diplomats get involved. They also wanted to keep this low profile without the cameras and press involved. There is a lot of merit in this. There is some early tension between the parties, but some small gestures help (with a shared enjoyment of food as well as being well lubricated with liquor). They make greater strides than any of the more well known discussions elsewhere.

I don’t profess to say that this two hours makes me an expert, however I can see as an independent person with no vested skin in the game, that both sides are very passionate and that hard compromises were made to make significant strides back in the early 1990s. All that they negotiated was lost on October 7th, now thirty years later. A fragile peace, such as it was, all but obliterated in images that few can deny didn’t change them. The epilogue of the film shows yet again that even the best intentioned people cannot control the more radical elements within their country. In the words of The Dark Knight’s Alfred, when speaking about The Joker “…some men just want to watch the world burn”.

So, in summary, this is worth checking out with good performances as you can see how impassioned the players involved were and are, and how they were able through compromise, hard work, a commitment to a peace and co-existing that progress can be made. It is easy to be the naysayer poking holes in work being done by others to make a difference, it is the visionary who can see that longer journies take many steps with incremental growth. One hopes that new visionaries can be found to take up the charge that this Norweigian couple undertook to try to find common ground once again and avoid a prolonged war which can only cause more death, more pain and worldwide heartache.

Joker (revisited): I did re-watch Joker with Jacquin Phoenix to see having finished The King of Comedy whether it made any difference in my overall assessment for it with a passage of time and a different viewing lens. I stand by my original review from October 21st, 2019.

Here was the initial assessment from Alison from back in 2019:

Joker is no joke. I’m going to resist comparing Joaquin’s performance to that of Heath Ledger because they are incomparable in that they represent a pinnacle performance for each actor. Joaquin’s transformation into this character was complete right down to his frighteningly emaciated frame and the physical stress the projection of the Joker laugh and unnatural run took on his frail person. Performance aside Joker is a dark, depressing and surly poetry that you can’t help but stare at. Its engaging from start to finish and as an origins story provided both the story of Joker and the Batman – two of the more prominent ‘superhero’ characters that have no special powers other than their menacing mindsets. The film is well directed by Todd Phillips, who I had to look up to learn he’s best known for The Hangover franchise, and his offering here is to the standard set by Christopher Nolan. Is it worth seeing if you’re not in the comic book movie scene? Yes, albeit on the small screen. Fans of the genre will be best served on the big screen.

But I add to this, that Phillips most definitely borrowed from the themes of Martin Scorsese in both Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, both starring Robert De Niro in memorable performances. Within Joker, there is the scene with Phoenix standing in front of the TV with his gun. It channels the “Are you talkin’ to me?” speech from Taxi Driver. There are other film references, like Phoenix having to yell back to his Mom who he lives with, much like Rupert Pupkin. Of course there is the tie-in to the Johnny Carson Comedy network show, where De Niro becomes the star, rather than the wannabe.

But Joker goes further with the Batman story and tying into the demise of Bruce Wayne’s parents along with being that backstory to the Joker character. You learn about the uncontrollable laughter condition that he carries along with his extreme thin frame, which eerily mirrors Robert De Niro (Raging Bull or The Untouchables) and Christian Bale (The Fighter or The Machinist) in other roles for these method actors who are embodying their characters fully. Phoenix gives an extraordinary performance, which really can’t be compared to Heath Ledger. I still prefer Ledger overall. I am not sure whether the pieces still fit into that Batman story timeline, especially with a young Bruce Wayne, but that doesn’t matter. As a piece of art, and a performance this stands on its own. But it is an interesting turn to view with fresh eyes, with a different perspective, the exact same film. Joker is a dark character, with a dark history. I am certain that more stories with the Joker involved will continue because he can be so compelling.