Does Joaquin Phoenix's “Joker” Have the Best Dance Moves in Movie History?
This article contains spoilers for "Joker."
Good luck finding a movie in 2019 that's sparked more public discussion than Todd Phillips' Joker.
Set in 1981, Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, a mentally-ill, failed stand-up comedian who turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City. Despite the film spawning debates on mental health, mass shootings, and the value of comic book movies, Joker is a box office smash, becoming the highest earning R-rated movie ever.
One thing isn't up for debate, and that's the dancing ability of Joker. Honestly, Phoenix's dancing is downright impressive. While The Joker displays dark, sadistic, and creepy intentions, Phoenix's moves are dazzling, sophisticated, and majestic. NY Times dance critic Gia Kourlas said Phoenix is a "great dancer" and "moves with uncultivated finesse — dreamily, animalistic, like a rock star."
In Joker, Phoenix has two memorable dance numbers: One takes place in the bathroom and the other on a set of now iconic stairs. The bathroom scene takes place after Arthur kills three men on the subway. While in his faded clown makeup, Arthur runs into a disgusting public bathroom, embraces his inner demons, and celebrates his new love for chaos with a spell-binding dance routine.
If you've been on the Internet in the past month, you've probably already seen the second dance number, which takes place on a set of now infamous Bronx stairs. Fresh off another kill, Arthur celebrates his new love of violence by chaotically dancing down the stairs on his way to guest star on his favorite late-night talk show.
Both dances are expertly crafted, but where do they stand among cinema's most memorable dance scenes?
Dirty Dancing, Final Dance
Nobody puts Baby in a corner, and nobody out dances Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Joker's dance scenes might be memorable, but Dirty Dancing has an enrapturing dance number that culminates with the iconic lift during "(I've Had) The Time of My Life." In regards to the lift, New York City-based choreographer Sydnie Mosley said to not try it at home because of the difficulty in "finding that point of balance in the air." Good luck trying to mimic Swayze and Grey. Edge: Dirty Dancing
▲Pulp Fiction, Jack Rabbit Slims Twist contest
Before being revived from a heroin overdose, Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) entered a twist contest with Vincent Vega (John Travolta) at the 50s-themed restaurant, Jack Rabbit Slims. Professional dancers and choreographers Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Grant said that the sequence is so iconic partly because the serious expressions on Thurman and Travolta's faces pair interestingly with the movements of their bodies. Phoenix's dances are more intricate and choreographed, but the improvisation of the twist and iconic setting give Thurman and Travolta the nod. Edge: Pulp Fiction
▲Risky Business, Tom Cruise
This is the dance that turned Tom Cruise into Tom Cruise, the movie star and sex symbol (before he jumped on Oprah's couch). There's no denying the impact this dance had on the lives of young women and men around the world. The most impressive moment is undoubtedly the slide in. On the other hand, Phoenix gives a more nuanced and complex performance, especially in the bathroom.Cruise has more charm, but Phoenix is the better dancer. Edge: Joker
▲Call Me By Your Name, Dance Party
The dance scene in Call Me By Your Name is all about love and getting close to those you love. Armie Hammer's moves are goofy but charming as the jealous Timothée Chalamet looks on from afar. Their love will become strong, but I'd argue that The Joker's love of violence is even stronger. If you dance after committing heinous and murderous crimes, then I'd venture to say your passion might enliven you even more than jealousy. Edge: Joker
▲Napoleon Dynamite, Talent Show
This is a no-contest. It's even more impressive learning that a professional did not work with Jon Heder on the dance. Heder liked to dance, so he winged it three times, and they took the best pieces from each dance. Napoleon defeats Arthur in a landslide. As soon as "Canned Heat" hits, it's a wrap. Edge: Napoleon Dynamite
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