Movie Review: Joker 2: Folie A Deux

Joker Folie a deux

"Joker: Folie à Deux" has been one of the most anticipated sequels in recent cinematic history, following the immense success of its predecessor. The film, directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, has generated a whirlwind of opinions, from high praise to critical disappointment.

The sequel takes a bold step away from the dark, gritty atmosphere of the first film, venturing into the realm of musicals. This choice has been met with mixed reactions. Some critics have appreciated the innovative approach, highlighting Phoenix's performance as Arthur Fleck, who continues to navigate his complex psyche through a new lens. The use of music from The Great American Songbook and '60s pop adds a layer of depth to the character's journey, offering a unique perspective on his descent into madness.

However, not all feedback has been positive. Some reviews have described the film as "atrociously grim and boring," criticizing its inability to capture the theatrical flamboyance that made the original so captivating. Others have pointed out that while the film attempts to find an original place to land, it ultimately flounders, failing to match the provocative nature of its predecessor.

Box office numbers tell a story of their own, with "Joker: Folie à Deux" trying to keep tune with a substantial opening, indicating a strong interest from the audience despite the polarizing reviews. This suggests that while critics may not be unanimous in their opinions, the public's curiosity and the star power of Phoenix and Gaga have drawn viewers to theaters.

The film's exploration of Arthur Fleck's identity, both as a civilian and as the Joker, is a central theme. The decision to frame the sequel as a musical is arguably justified by Fleck's warped imagination, which could indeed envision his existence as part of a show. This creative choice allows the filmmakers to navigate the character's disturbed mind in a new and artistic way.

"Joker: Folie à Deux" has certainly left an indelible mark on its audience, with several scenes standing out for their emotional depth, narrative impact, and visual artistry. Here are some of the most memorable moments from the film:

1. Arthur's Illusion of Rationality: The film delves deep into Arthur Fleck's fragmented mind, showcasing his struggle between delusion and reality. A particularly striking scene is when director Todd Phillips uses a musical number to illustrate Arthur's distorted perception of rational thinking, a technique reminiscent of classic Hollywood musicals.

2. Arthur and Lee's Twisted Romance: The relationship between Arthur Fleck and Lee Quinzel is central to the narrative. Their romance, depicted through whimsical musical fantasies, provides a poignant look into Arthur's psyche as he clings to the hope of love amidst his legal battles.

3. The Courtroom Bombshell: In a climactic moment, Arthur makes a shocking confession during his trial, revealing his true identity and shattering the illusion of the Joker. This scene is a turning point for the character, as it leads to a literal explosion outside the courthouse, symbolizing the chaos that Arthur has both internalized and unleashed.

4. The Final Exchange: The film's conclusion is marked by a powerful exchange between Arthur and Lee, where the collapse of their relationship mirrors the demise of Arthur's Joker persona. This emotionally charged scene is a testament to the complex dynamics between the characters and the tragic trajectory of their story.

5. Arthur's Last Stand: Perhaps one of the most haunting scenes is the film's ending, where Arthur, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, meets a violent end. This moment is not only visually striking but also serves as a profound commentary on the character's journey and the consequences of his actions.

These scenes, among others, contribute to the film's lasting impact and its exploration of themes such as identity, love, and the fine line between sanity and madness. "Joker: Folie à Deux" challenges audiences with its bold storytelling and leaves them reflecting on the nature of its troubled protagonist. For those who have yet to see the film, these moments are just a glimpse into the complex tapestry that Todd Phillips and the cast have woven, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.

In conclusion, "Joker: Folie à Deux" is a film that defies easy categorization. It challenges viewers with its unconventional approach to storytelling and its blend of genres. Whether it will stand the test of time as its predecessor has, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: it has sparked a conversation about the boundaries of comic book adaptations and the artistic liberties filmmakers can take in reimagining beloved characters.  

This movie has destroyed the franchise of "Joker." It invalidates the first movie and makes it seem pointless. From the way it ended, it seems to present the idea that Arthur Fleck was never the Joker, but a prototype of the character. The real one seems to be the one who killed him while in prison. Unlike the first movie where the crowd I was with was silent and attentive to the move and later erupted in applause, today's audience simply left with disappointment on their faces. 

The movie seemed rushed and put together. They got several details wrong such as the murders Arthur Fleck committed. They number 5, excluding his adoptive mother, but also forgot the counselor the first movie briefly shows Arthur with in a white room and then ends with him leaving bloody footprints down the hall. Moreover, one of the jurors calls the region "New York" when it is supposed to be Gotham. It is needless to say that many are disappointed with this film. Perhaps the change at the DCEU brought about this abrupt end to this franchise in this manner. The acting is great, especially on the part of Joaquin Phoenix, but the storyline and how it was put together just did not flow. It was all over the place. The singing and dancing also made the movie feel strange and disconnected from the first film.  Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn also felt disconnected.  

This movie will surely be a flop at the box office and shows the disaster going on in DC. Joker was a great movie, this ruined it and ended the franchise abruptly. Arthur Fleck ended up as a weak coward with a possible mental illness.  The drama from the first film where he acquires confidence by donning the red suit and make up is gone and is pointless in hindsight of this new film. It truly makes no sense to make a film about someone who was never the Joker as an origin story for the Joker. Why not make a film about the actual Joker and his origin story? We are left with a film that tarnishes the Joker character as originating from adopting another person's persona.  From the looks of it, this is the end of the Joker franchise. 

It is not the acting or musical that is the problem. The problem is continuity to the first and relevance to DC. If Fleck was never the Joker, why even make a movie about him? This movie could have done well without it being linked to DC simply as a story about a mentally ill incel. However, people are upset because it built up something that was never there. The first film makes no sense now. It also turns the real Joker into a copycat of someone else's experience and life.

There will probably not be a part 3. The only way we can see one is if Arthur Fleck is still alive somehow. We can still see him breathing a bit as the scene cuts to the ending credits. It is also possible that this scene is a delusion in Arthur Fleck's mind. We saw throughout the film his delusions both in the first part and this part. In this part we see Harley Quinn portrayed by Lady Gaga shoot Joker in the stomach. It is possible that the ending scene may have been a delusion. However, based on interviews with the director, it seems this is truly the end and Arthur Fleck indeed died and he was never the Joker.  

In any event, I was truly looking forward to this sequel and was extremely disappointed.  The first film was so good and to have this sequel destroy it is unfortunate and upsetting.