Joaquin Phoenix won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill stand-up comedian whose descent into madness sparks a violent countercultural revolution in Gotham City. What is the title of this 2019 film?

The 2019 psychological thriller that earned Joaquin Phoenix an Academy Award for his compelling performance as Arthur Fleck is titled Joker (Review). The film delves into the origins of Batman's infamous nemesis, presenting an alternative and gritty character study of a man's descent into madness. Set in a decaying Gotham City during the early 1980s, the story follows Fleck, a struggling and mentally ill stand-up comedian whose disregard by society ultimately sparks a violent countercultural uprising.

Director Todd Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver drew inspiration from 1970s character studies and films like Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" and "The King of Comedy" to craft this unique take on the iconic villain. Phoenix's commitment to the role was profound, including a significant weight loss of 52 pounds to achieve Arthur Fleck's emaciated appearance. He also meticulously developed the Joker's unsettling laugh, basing it on videos of individuals suffering from pathological laughter, a real-life disorder that causes uncontrollable laughter in stressful situations.

"Joker" made cinematic history, becoming the first R-rated film to gross over $1 billion worldwide, showcasing its widespread impact despite its dark and often controversial themes. Phoenix's critically acclaimed portrayal, which explored themes of mental illness and societal neglect, earned him the Oscar for Best Actor, making him the second actor to win an Academy Award for playing the Joker. The film also received an Academy Award for Best Original Score.