The 2019 movie Joker, directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, was a cultural phenomenon. It explored mental health, societal neglect, and the descent of a man into madness. One of the film’s most memorable scenes features the song “That’s Life,” a classic tune originally popularized by Frank Sinatra. As Arthur Fleck, the character who becomes the Joker, makes his final transformation, the song underscores the weight of his journey. But who actually sang “That’s Life” in Joker, and why was this song chosen? Let’s delve into the significance of the song, the history of its performance, and its place within the movie.
The Performance in Joker
In Joker, Arthur Fleck listens to “That’s Life” at key moments of the film. But most notably, the song plays over the final moments, as Arthur completes his transformation into the Joker. It becomes a sort of anthem for the character, highlighting the juxtaposition between the song’s upbeat tone and Arthur’s dark reality. This song frames Arthur’s nihilistic view of life, showing that no matter how bleak life becomes, one must keep going.
Interestingly, though the song is closely associated with Frank Sinatra, the Joker movie uses Sinatra’s version without altering the vocal performance. So, while Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as Arthur Fleck takes center stage, it is Sinatra’s voice that the audience hears, offering an added layer of meaning. It contrasts the chaos of Arthur’s world with Sinatra’s smooth, polished delivery.
Frank Sinatra’s Influence
“That’s Life” was a signature song for Frank Sinatra. Released in 1966, it became one of the songs that epitomized his late-career resurgence. Sinatra had been a massive star in the 1940s and 1950s, but by the mid-1960s, his popularity had somewhat waned. However, “That’s Life” became a major hit, bringing him back to the forefront of pop culture. The song’s message—about enduring the ups and downs of life—resonated with audiences then, and it continues to resonate today.
The lyrics of “That’s Life” express the resilience of the human spirit, acknowledging that life has its highs and lows. Sinatra sings about being “a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn, and a king.” These lines are metaphors for the various roles we play in life, and they suggest that no matter how low one falls, there’s always a chance to rise again.
See also: Why Is The Joker The Favourite Villain?
Why “That’s Life” in Joker?
In Joker, the song’s inclusion is significant because it mirrors Arthur Fleck’s journey. Arthur begins the movie as a struggling comedian with mental health issues. He is marginalized by society, mistreated by people around him, and experiences a series of personal and professional failures. Yet, by the end of the movie, he has embraced his new identity as the Joker, rejecting societal norms and becoming something more dangerous and powerful.
The lyrics of “That’s Life” are especially poignant for Arthur. In many ways, his life has been a series of setbacks, but unlike the song’s message of perseverance, Arthur chooses a different path. He doesn’t simply get back up after being knocked down—he becomes someone else entirely. The choice to use Sinatra’s “That’s Life” underscores the irony of Arthur’s transformation. While the song is traditionally seen as optimistic, in the context of the movie, it takes on a darker tone.
The Cultural Impact of the Song
“That’s Life” has been covered by many artists over the years, but none have matched Sinatra’s iconic version. The song has been used in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, becoming synonymous with resilience and determination. Its inclusion in Joker brings that cultural baggage with it, adding depth to Arthur Fleck’s character.
The song’s lyrics, particularly the lines about being “riding high in April, shot down in May,” could easily describe Arthur’s emotional journey. He experiences brief moments of happiness and hope, only to be brought down by his circumstances. The song’s message of enduring life’s challenges is twisted in Joker, as Arthur finds a way to cope—but through violence and chaos.
Music as a Narrative Tool in Joker
Music plays a critical role in Joker, helping to establish the mood and emotional tone of key scenes. Along with “That’s Life,” the movie features other significant songs, like “Smile” by Jimmy Durante, which also reflects Arthur’s struggle to maintain a facade of happiness despite his inner turmoil. Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir’s haunting score further amplifies the tension and tragedy of Arthur’s descent into madness.
The choice of “That’s Life” is particularly effective because it contrasts with the bleakness of Arthur’s life. It’s a bright, hopeful song used in the most ironic of circumstances. As the film builds toward its climax, the song’s upbeat melody contrasts sharply with the dark, violent events unfolding on screen.
Sinatra’s Legacy and Joker
Frank Sinatra’s voice is timeless, and his legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time endures. His performance of “That’s Life” in Joker connects the movie to a broader cultural history, adding depth to the narrative. For many viewers, hearing Sinatra’s familiar voice in such a shocking, violent film creates an emotional dissonance that heightens the impact of the scene.
In the context of Joker, Sinatra’s song serves as a reminder that life can be unpredictable and uncontrollable. But while Sinatra’s version of the song offers hope and resilience, Arthur Fleck’s journey suggests that not everyone can endure life’s challenges in the same way. The movie leaves audiences questioning what happens when someone is pushed too far.
Conclusion
“That’s Life” is an essential part of Joker, both for its historical significance and its thematic relevance. Sinatra’s voice offers a counterpoint to Arthur’s chaotic life, highlighting the irony of his transformation. While the song is usually seen as an anthem of resilience, in Joker it becomes a dark commentary on the character’s descent into madness.
By choosing such an iconic song, director Todd Phillips not only adds a layer of cultural resonance to the film but also underscores one of the movie’s central themes: that life is unpredictable, and not everyone can cope with its challenges in the same way. Arthur Fleck’s tragic story is a cautionary tale about what happens when someone falls through the cracks of society.
The use of “That’s Life” in Joker is more than just a soundtrack choice; it’s a statement about the human condition. The song’s message of perseverance is turned on its head, and instead, it becomes a haunting reminder of the fine line between resilience and despair.
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