When ‘Joker‘ hit theaters in 2019, it wasn’t just a movie — it quickly transcended into becoming a cultural event that found a place not just in the list of iconic films but also in existentialist references. Critics were baffled, mostly because Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of a sad, broken clown was nowhere close to being the insidious Batman villain that people had known for so long. With its striking nihilist undertones, the film didn’t just spark conversation, it caused a frenzy. Though it had its fair share of polarizing reactions, ‘Joker‘ raked in a billion dollars and went on to win an Oscar.
Fast forward to ‘Joker: Folie à Deux‘, the much-anticipated sequel that was released on October 2, and is seemingly an under-achiever compared to its iconic predecessor. Interestingly, director Todd Phillips had noted that he wasn’t thrilled about how the media reacted to the first film. And that’s perhaps why this time, the Joker aka Arthur Fleck, finds himself quite literally on trial in a courtroom drama that simply blends bleak reality with full-blown musical numbers. Think ‘Law & Order‘ meets ‘La La Land‘, but with more stabbings. But that is not the only reason why the film turned out to be a colossal disappointment.
A Narrative With More Style, Less Substance
Todd Phillips was arguably witnessing one of the most explosive moments of his career when SWAT teams were on guard at the New York City premiere of ‘Joker‘ in 2019. The officials were bracing for the kind of mayhem the Joker himself might have incited, given how stirring the movie had turned out to be. Calling the film powerful would be an understatement.
Five years later, its highly anticipated sequel ‘Folie à Deux’, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, has surprisingly failed to impress. Set immediately after Arthur’s arrest at the end of ‘Joker‘, the film has further distanced itself from the traditional comic book origins of its titular character. In fact, the sequel has leaned so far into its dark and twisted interpretation of the Joker that it almost feels like this Joker is an entirely different character than the Batman villain we knew and marveled at.
Although the character’s darkness was exactly what resonated with the audiences in the previous film, his philosophy in this one has become very difficult to reason with. While Phoenix’s performance is still captivating, the shock factor from the first film is missing.
Related: Lady Gaga Claims ‘Joker: Folie À Deux’ Is Not A Musical
Arthur’s journey in the film follows the classic psychopath formula: a childhood filled with abuse, a controversial murder, and a nationally televised trial. The last hour of ‘Folie à Deux‘ is a brutal parade of misfortunes for Arthur. After confessing to his crimes, he expresses regret, hoping for some form of redemption — classic Dostoyevsky. Spoiler alert: he doesn’t get it.
Despite a reasonable arc, the final outcome feels like an experimental hodgepodge. Todd Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver seem to have built this sequel on a clever concept rather than a solid plot. Without a strong narrative, the film comes off feeling meandering, and at times, a bit dull.
That’s not to say it’s poorly made. The film’s cinematographer, Lawrence Sher, has yet again delivered the gritty, grimy visuals that made the first ‘Joker‘ so memorable. The scenes are perfectly desolate for the seedy, economically depressed city, and Arkham Asylum is appropriately cold and institutional. It’s the presentation that’s bleak, to say the least.
Lady Gaga Takes A Backseat Despite The Hype
In another bold attempt that heavily cost it, the movie attempts to flirt with the aesthetic of classic movie musicals even as it draws loose connections to everything from ’70s auteur films to the surreal dreamscapes of ‘One From the Heart‘. The musical sequences have been clearly cut loose, blending gaudy kitsch with the rest of the film’s grim tone.
Lady Gaga’s presence as Harleen Quinzel might have had fans hoping for a full-blown ‘A Star Is Born’-level soundtrack, but most of the film’s musical numbers are surprisingly performed by Phoenix. In true Joker fashion, Arthur’s mental breakdowns now come with show tunes except they aren’t so well-fitting to his mental being.
In case you missed it: “One Of The Most Daring, Brave, And Creative Films”: Venice Film Festival Chief Praises ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’
Inspired by Harleen’s fleeting affections, Arthur breaks into Stevie Wonder’s ‘For Once in My Life‘, which starts off as a quiet, somber moment before bursting into an upbeat, jazzy number complete with a big dance break. Other musical highlights include Shirley Bassey’s ‘The Joker‘ (because, duh) and Jacques Brel’s melancholic ballad, ‘If You Go Away‘. Phoenix tackles these songs with his trademark intensity, but Gaga takes a backseat against expectations.
What Happens In The End?
The film’s climax deserves some points, solely for how it aptly reflects the dark foundation that Joker’s character is built upon. Found guilty on all counts, Arthur manages to escape the court with the help of a conveniently timed car bomb. But his freedom is short-lived. He gets arrested again and his return to Arkham Asylum is as grim as it gets, with his life spiraling further into despair. To make matters worse, a guard, played by Brendan Gleeson, seems to assault him off-screen.
Here comes one of the chief twists involving Lady Gaga — whose character has otherwise been criminally underplayed in the film despite all the hype. Her character breaks up with him because he’s “not acting like the Joker” anymore. And it’s not just her affected by it — his fans are disappointed too for the exact same reasons.
In case you missed it: Todd Phillips Pays Homage To Twisted Romance Of Joker And Harley Quinny With Joaquin Phoenix And Lady Gaga’s Stills From ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’
As Arthur now awaits sentencing—fearing the electric chair—he gets to a flicker of hope when a guard informs him of a visitor. But this is Joker, so you know it’s not good news. Arthur gets dragged into a hallway where he’s ambushed by an inmate who stabs him multiple times. This person is a self-proclaimed “fan” of the Joker who feels betrayed by Arthur’s courtroom performance. And of course, nothing screams fanboy like carving a smile into your hero’s face as he bleeds out.
The film’s final shot lingers on Arthur’s lifeless body, teasing the idea that someone else may take up the Joker mantle. But after this gut-punch of an ending, it’s hard to imagine anyone clamoring for ‘Joker 3‘ anytime soon.
So, while ‘Folie à Deux‘ might not live up to the revolutionary hype of its predecessor, it’s bound to leave audiences talking — whether they’re raving or ranting.
