Rating: 7/10
Joker: Folie à Deux takes the dark, psychological themes of the first Joker film and doubles down, offering a unique blend of musical elements and psychological depth. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film brings Joaquin Phoenix back as Arthur Fleck, whose descent into the madness that is the Joker takes center stage once again. This time, Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn, bringing her exceptional acting and singing talents to a complex role that serves as the heart of the film's musical dimension.
The Performances: A Masterclass in Acting
The highlight of Folie à Deux is undoubtedly the performances by Phoenix and Gaga. Joaquin Phoenix, once again, brilliantly captures the pain, fragility, and chaos of Arthur Fleck. His portrayal of a man grappling with mental illness while society continues to fail him is haunting and raw, and Phoenix never lets the character slip into caricature despite the dramatic shifts between song and story.
Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn, on the other hand, feels like a character designed specifically for her. Already an outstanding performer, she seamlessly blends her acting and musical abilities, making her portrayal both captivating and tragic. However, while her performance is stellar, the film under-utilizes her character, and this version of Harley feels like a standalone interpretation—perhaps intentionally different from previous portrayals. As a result, this Harley Quinn stands apart, existing in the realm of Folie à Deux's heightened reality rather than aligning with the source material’s more familiar versions.
The Musical Element: A Hit or Miss
The musical aspect of the film is both its most daring and divisive choice. While the songs serve as a window into the characters' psyches, deepening the exploration of Arthur's mental illness, they may not resonate with every viewer. For those expecting a traditional superhero or action film, the musical numbers could feel jarring. However, if viewed through the lens of a psychological study, the songs add a necessary layer to the narrative, illustrating how disconnected from reality these characters are.
As a Sequel and Prequel
As a sequel to the 2019 Joker, the film excels in further dissecting who Arthur Fleck is. It peels back the layers of his mental illness and societal alienation, highlighting the contrast between how the world ignores him as Arthur but celebrates him as Joker. This theme—society's fascination with chaos while neglecting the individual behind it—is central to both films. The sequel expands on this, showing that once the mask is on, the world suddenly cares, but as Arthur, he's invisible.
Whether or not this film works as a prequel to The Dark Knight is up for debate. If the Joker films are intended as a prelude to that universe, then Folie à Deux is a worthy setup. It dives deeper into Arthur’s transformation, leaving the door open for what might come next in the eventual conflict with Batman.
Final Thoughts Joker: Folie à Deux isn't for everyone
It's not a casual watch, nor is it a typical superhero or action-packed film. For those who aren’t fans of musicals, the film may even be difficult to sit through. However, when approached as a psychological drama or even a documentary about mental illness set in a heightened, fictional world, the movie’s direction becomes clearer. Todd Phillips has crafted a film that isn’t about the Joker we know from comic books or superhero lore; it’s about a man in pain, lost in a world that only values the spectacle of his madness.
If you're looking for deep, thought-provoking performances and a unique take on Gotham’s most famous villain, Folie à Deux offers plenty to think about, even if it’s not always easy to watch.
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