‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ Movie Is a Train Wreck 30 Years In the Making

*Spoilers for the The Killing Joke Graphic Novel and Animated Film* There’s really two ways to go about reviewing The Killing Joke, the much ballyhooed animated feature that puts to motion one of the most popular Joker storylines in Batman’s existence. You can address the controversy surrounding the original source material (which has been debated for almost 30 years since its publication), or how well the movie adapts that source. I would love to be able to review this movie by saying, yes, this is controversial and triggering like its source is, but it also has several redeeming qualities to the overall production that make it a worthwhile watch for those that can stomach the ugly aspects it highlights. I cannot in good conscious do that. Not only does the film exacerbate many of the themes that make The Killing Joke a trauma-infused opera that misses several high notes, but the actual production of the film is an abject failure on multiple levels, one that betrays the gifts of the many talented people involved with it. Addressing the most talked about aspect of the movie first, yes, the nefarious scenes of Barbara Gordon’s shooting and paralysis, the ensuing sexual assault and violation of her by the Joker, and Jim Gordon being dragged around naked through a carnival by a choke collar are all there. Weirdly (but not that weird when you analyze how patriarchy and assumed masculinity work), the scenes of Barbara’s assault by the Joker and the famous montage of the naked pic…