These are the top 10 things that director Todd Phillips' 2019 film "Joker" starring Joaquin Phoenix got right. You’ve never seen the Joker like this. For this list, we’re taking a look at why Todd Phillips’ “Joker” has earned every ounce of praise it’s soaked up. From Joaquin Phoenix's mesmerizing performance, its commentary on real-life events, and its distance from the larger Batman mythology, these are the things that "Joker" got right.