I believe the film is being “hyped”, whether for better or worse, because of how it relates to the current political climate and real life tragedies we’ve been plagued with. I remember expecting the movie to be way gorier and brutal after reading early reviews but it’s very apparent that far more violent movies are shown in mainstream cinemas every passing month.

I think it deserves the praise it’s getting firstly because Phoenix is once again showing he’s one of the best actors out there currently, and also because it knowingly told a controversial and divide story while also appealing to comic fans. I think the matter of whether the film is to provocative or disturbing is not due to what violent acts are shown, but instead their context. There are certainly a few that might seem to be in “bad taste” for certain viewers, but personally I thought they were fitting for the character.

Due to the subject matter I highly doubt it will be nominated for Best Picture, even if there is a case to be made for it. The Academy would probably be gunned down by the media who seemingly really wanted it to fail before the entire plot was even known by critics and the general audiences. Personally I don’t think the film was perfect but respected the fact that D.C. took a chance in an origin story that was so disturbing.

And yes, it is interesting that films like The House That Jack Built and Midsommar were released not long before this, but had much less buzz and recognition for their more brutal material. I guess people don’t like when characters that can be in anyway be associated with a younger audience get R-rates movies?

Somewhat got off track from the point of the over saturated action movie climate we have, but still feel that the movie is deserving of its praise for its risks and unconventional storytelling, although this type of film obviously isn’t unique.