<p><strong><em>Breaking Down Joker</em> is a fascinating read. Sean Redmond has collected an array of exciting young scholars, who have each brought a unique perspective to one of the most innovative and controversial films of the 21st Century. From a range of disciplinary approaches, this collection insightfully considers <em>Joker</em> as not merely a complex film, but as a watershed cultural moment. No stone is left unturned as <em>Breaking Down Joker</em> unpacks themes as diverse as liminality, neoliberal political views, urban environments, toxic masculinity, and mental health care deficiencies. This collection is a must for anyone serious about cinema and cultural criticism.</strong></p><p><em>Jeffrey A. Brown, Professor & Chair, Bowling Green State University, USA</em></p><p><strong>Upon its release, Todd Phillips’ <em>Joker</em> garnered critical acclaim, awards recognition, and massive box office. The super villain origin story also received criticism for its depiction of violence, mental illness, and toxic masculinity. In <em>Breaking Down Joker</em> celebrated screen studies scholar Sean Redmond enlists an impressive array of global scholars to better understand the film and its wider reception. Applying a range of interdisciplinary perspectives, including screen studies, psychology, and sociology, this collection captures, unpicks, and challenges the often-conflicting views on the controversial film. Few recent films merit this depth of scholarly analysis, and it is harder to imagine a more rounded understanding of <em>Joker</em> than that offered by this exciting new collection.</strong> </p><p><em>Associate Professor Liam Burke, author of </em>The Comic Book Film Adaptation</p>