Despite the bad reviews (*cough cough* Rotten Tomatoes), this film definitely lived up to the hype. In my opinion, that is. The film was fun, exciting, and different than I expected. However, this piece isn't a review for the film or a summary for those who haven't seen it yet.
I'm sure anyone who knows anything about the Joker and Harley Quinn knows that their abusive relationship has been romanticized from the start. Whether it'd be physical violence, emotional abuse, or betrayal, Harley always came running back to the Joker or the Joker rescuing her just to have her as his little toy. My concern when watching the film wasn't how Jared Leto would appear as the joker, but rather how the Joker would treat Harley Quinn. From Harley's beginning she was made to be this woman crazy in love for one of the most infamous criminals in all of Gotham. Her love for The Joker was passionate, dedicated, and real. However, when objectively looking at her, the only thing that I see is the case of Stockholm Syndrome Harley has under The Joker.
Within the media, there is all sorts of sexist propaganda that is now being recognized and slowly diminished from our TVs, magazines, and films. However, with such iconic shoes to fill, David Ayer (the director of the film) was pressured to stay as true to the comics as possible. For most of the film, he stayed true to the characters and made sure that the fans got what they deserved after all the hype. But some parts, he changed for the better. As mentioned before, the famously abusive relationship of Harley Quinn and The Joker was possibly the most anticipated by fans. Their passionate and spontaneous relationship is captivating and a beloved part of the comics. Ayer made the decision to cut scenes of the Joker and Harley Quinn out of the film in order to place a certain filter over the couple. Instead of abusive, this Joker seemed to legitimately love Harley and fight to get her back in order to be with her, rather than get her back just to continue to cycle of abuse. This filter placed over the couple seemed to cut a large fraction of the couple’s many filmed scenes out of the movie. In fact, the Joker is only in the film for about 15 minutes. The biggest complaint of the film so far is the lack of the most anticipated character out of all the Suicide Squad: The Joker.
Even though I wished to see more of The Joker and Harley Quinn myself, I am glad to hear why these scenes were cut. This move was influential. Ayer revolutionized the couple and made them a true favorite that does not romanticize abuse. This also made Harley Quinn a stronger female character. Margot Robbie may have sported around in what seems to be a, “skimpy,” outfit in order to gain more attention for the film, but as a woman in a healthy relationship, she is promoting strength and choice.
Despite being a criminal, this new Harley Quinn is one that isn’t harming to younger girls watching compared to what they could have seen which would have changed their perspective on what a healthy romantic relationship is. Ayer made a fantastic and revolutionary choice when altering their relationship. I don’t know about you, but I am more than ready to see more of this new, healthy, and exciting relationship between the infamous Joker, and the beloved Harley Quinn.