I liked Joker too. Very well acted, more characterisation than action but not in a boring way.
Well it is a characterised drama so there's no surprise but Joaquin Phoenix continues with the gritty dark elements, left by the wonderfully acted Joker, Heath Ledger. Scott Silver co-writes a compelling story in this standalone picture, which probably focuses on more real-to-life and relating issues for the viewer.
The two though should not really be compared. When David Goyer wrote about the Joker in the comics and more so later in The Dark Knight, you could tell there was always a freedom within that erratic, exhausting, schizophrenic version. The character could have done anything and it would've likely worked. Much credit there lies with Ledger. That version of the Joker was already at his most developed and sinister insanity. Ready made if you must.
In Silver's version, Joker is an adaptation of his origins from The Killing Joke and as stated explores more relatable areas. Maybe it feels more real to us but Phoenix delivers a believable performance - we could all be the Joker.
With quick reference to the Jared Leto personification, this again was a much different Joker. More akin to the comic book style. Not as believable or shocking, like Phoenix or Ledger but one could argue, Leto stays true to the image of the comic book character portrayal. However, he is being a bit of a bitch about the latest portrayal so he can go further down the list of "Jokers 101"
In Joker we have a dedicated characterisation, as opposed to a supporting character within a feature (The Dark Knight, Suicide Squad). How accurate do any of these and others line up to Red Hood? Well we probably can't really be one to judge. A great line from the perfidious jester just about sums it up; "Sometimes I remember one way, sometimes another...if I'm going to have a past, I prefer multiple choice!"
I give Joker the benefit of it's critics. In a standalone sense, I give it about a 7.2/10 Red Good.