The Tragic Finale of Arthur Fleck
The question of "Who kills Arthur the Joker?" is a central mystery that deeply affects the narrative of the 2019 film Joker. The film, a gritty origin story for Batman's most notorious villain, doesn't offer a straightforward answer in the way one might expect from a typical superhero movie. Instead, the ending is deliberately ambiguous and relies heavily on interpretation, leaving audiences to ponder the true fate of Arthur Fleck and the symbolism of his transformation.
Arthur Fleck's Violent Ascent
Throughout the film, Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill and downtrodden aspiring comedian, experiences a series of devastating betrayals and societal neglect. These hardships push him further into a spiral of psychosis, culminating in a violent transformation into the Joker. His first major act of violence, the subway killings, is a pivotal moment that ignites a city-wide movement of protest and anarchy. This act is committed by Arthur himself, driven by a desperate need to assert himself and lash out against a world that has consistently wronged him.
The Climax at Murray Franklin's Show
The film's climax takes place on live television during Murray Franklin's talk show. Arthur, now fully embracing his Joker persona, has been invited as a guest. This is where the question of who kills Arthur truly comes into play. During the broadcast, Arthur confesses to the subway murders and, in a shocking turn of events, shoots and kills Murray Franklin. This act is performed by Arthur himself, a symbolic rejection of the entertainment industry and the societal figures he believes have mocked and dismissed him.
The Ambiguous Aftermath
However, the narrative doesn't end with Arthur's arrest. The film cuts to Arthur in what appears to be a mental institution, receiving treatment. Here, a detective is questioning him about his actions. During this exchange, Arthur claims that the events depicted in the film were all a joke. He then dances away, suggesting a detachment from reality and a continued embrace of his Joker identity.
The crucial point of ambiguity arises from a fleeting moment where Arthur is seen standing over a figure he has seemingly killed. The identity of this victim is never explicitly revealed. Some interpretations suggest it is the detective, others believe it is an orderly, and a more radical theory posits that Arthur orchestrated his own death or was killed by someone else entirely. However, the film strongly implies that Arthur, in his delusion, is the perpetrator. The "joke" he refers to can be interpreted as his entire existence, his transformation, and perhaps even his perceived death.
"The whole world is one big joke, isn't it? You need a sense of humor to really survive it." - Arthur Fleck (Joker)
The most widely accepted interpretation, and the one most aligned with the film's themes, is that **Arthur the Joker kills himself** in the mental institution, or at least believes he has. The dancing scene, the delusion of being observed and questioned, and his final declaration of "it's all a joke" all point to a self-inflicted end, a final, ultimate punchline to his tragic existence. The film deliberately avoids showing a definitive murder by another party to maintain its focus on Arthur's internal struggle and his creation of the Joker persona as a manifestation of his broken psyche.
Ultimately, the question of "Who kills Arthur the Joker?" is less about a physical assailant and more about the societal and psychological forces that contribute to his demise. The film argues that society, with its indifference and cruelty, is the true killer, driving Arthur to become the Joker and then to self-destruct. The ending leaves the audience with the chilling realization that the Joker is not merely a man, but a symbol born from profound despair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Arthur Fleck become the Joker?
Arthur Fleck becomes the Joker through a combination of severe mental illness, societal neglect, and a series of deeply traumatic events. His dreams of becoming a comedian are constantly crushed, he is abused, and he experiences profound loneliness. The film portrays his descent into madness as a gradual but inevitable consequence of these hardships and his inability to cope with them.
Why does Arthur kill Murray Franklin?
Arthur kills Murray Franklin on live television as a final, desperate act of defiance and a symbolic rejection of the societal norms and figures he feels have mocked and dismissed him. Murray Franklin represents the superficiality and cruelty of the entertainment world and society at large, and Arthur's killing him is a declaration that he no longer cares about their approval or their judgment. It's his way of finally being seen and heard, albeit in the most destructive way possible.
Is the ending of Joker real or a delusion?
The ending of Joker is intentionally ambiguous, suggesting that much of what we see, particularly the final scenes in the asylum, may be a product of Arthur Fleck's delusion. The film plays with the audience's perception of reality, making it difficult to discern what is real and what is Arthur's fractured mind creating a narrative that serves his warped sense of self and his identity as the Joker. The "joke" he refers to could be his entire life story, including his perceived death.
