Posted by: Chris Frahme [ 74.44.22.236 | 74-44-22-236.dr02.mdtw.ny.frontiernet.net ]
Posted on: 06/25/09 - 6:23:09 PM - EDT Rating of: 4 of a possible 5
Let me start by saying that on the whole, I
enjoyed this film a great deal. All of my
constructive criticisms are on smaller
issues, but there's nothing wrong with the
big picture. First off, I love the way the
Joker's war paint evolves as he gradually
dominates the sessions. In terms of matching
Heath's portrayal, this was a generally
faithful performance. The voice had strong
moments and weak moments, but Chris Notarile
had the body language and subtle movements
down 100%. One of my favorite little moments
was the Joker's grunt/sigh when the first
session ended. It was little things like that
which seemed so genuine that really enhanced
the performance and made it believable. I did have some issues with Harley, however.
Again, the actress did fine on the whole. She
was absolutely great before Harley begins to
lose control, giving a convincing
"professional Harley" performance. However,
once the Joker starts to get through to her,
I feel like the shifts in her persona are too
abrupt and on-the-nose. I think my biggest
issue with Harley was the Arleen Sorkin voice
at the end. One thing I never bought about
the character in the show and the comics is
that a bright, ambitious psychiatrist becomes
a goofy, bimbo-voiced buffoon. I would have
been interested to hear a new, realistic take
on the voice, just as Heath Ledger didn't
talk like Mark Hammill. I've always wanted to
see a Harley Quinn who is as darkly demented
and actually as scary as The Joker, and I
think you could pull it off if you follow
this up with another short. There are a lot of cheap Dark Knight fan
films which often unintentionally border on
parodies, but "Call Me Mr. J" is certainly
not among them. This is a diamond in the
rough of the "joker fan film" youtube search.
Great job, and I look forward to seeing more
from all involved!
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