I think the leftist messaging is accidental, but 100% in line with what is portrayed in the film. The movie mirrors Arthur's turn to violence with the strike/protests turning into riots, and seems to believe that this is the inevitable result of economic conditions deteriorating. It's half right, but the leftist addition is to note that the reason Arthur targets a rich guy he sees on TV instead of the people most directly responsible for his misery is because of his alienation. He's not part of a greater social or political project, so he (and, by extension, everyone who participates in the riot) can only resort to random acts of violence.
I think the leftist messaging is accidental, but 100% in line with what is portrayed in the film. The movie mirrors Arthur's turn to violence with the strike/protests turning into riots, and seems to believe that this is the inevitable result of economic conditions deteriorating. It's half right, but the leftist addition is to note that the reason Arthur targets a rich guy he sees on TV instead of the people most directly responsible for his misery is because of his alienation. He's not part of a greater social or political project, so he (and, by extension, everyone who participates in the riot) can only resort to random acts of violence.