Todd Philips’  Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role, has generated a mixed reception from fans and critics alike. While some have lauded Philips’ direction and Phoenix’s portrayal of depression, isolation and mental illness, as how the movie deals with the class struggle, others have expressed concerns about the glorification of violence.

Despite that, the movie is being lauded as a serious Oscar candidate – coming second only to Heath Ledger’s take on the character in The Dark Knight. 

But as I was scrolling Twitter earlier today, I came across this on my timeline, from user @knittaphd

Here, there is an interesting prospect, as women are still behind men when it comes to wages, rights and recognition, among other things. The idea of a character experiencing women’s real-life issues onscreen, and then revolting through anarchy as Phoenix’s Joker does is indeed, powerful.

Just as this concept appeared on my feed, I next saw the trailer for Viola Davis’ upcoming series In A Man’s World, which suggests that in the fight for equality, women, have to disguise as a man, albeit the trailer for Davis’ show plays it for an unconvincing characterization.

However, once you look beyond the absurdity, there is a serious undertone – that, in the pursuit of equality, women have to transform and disguise themselves as men. To produce a show or film on that premise is bold, just as it is a social commentary of our time.