As a devoted fan who has eagerly awaited the release of “Joker: Folie à Deux”, I must confess that my excitement was short-lived upon watching this sequel. The film, while visually stunning and boasting an impressive cast, falls flat in terms of storyline and character development.
The title “Folie à Deux” in 2024 represents a highly anticipated American musical psychological thriller by Warner Bros. It serves as the sequel to the 2019 film “Joker,” directed by Todd Phillips, with Joaquin Phoenix once more embodying Arthur Fleck (the Joker). The cast also includes Lady Gaga, portraying his romantic interest Harley Quinn, alongside Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Steve Coogan.
Initially intended as a standalone film, Joker significantly surpassed expectations by grossing over $1 billion worldwide. This sparked director Todd Phillips’ interest in creating a sequel, which entered production in June 2022. The sequel, titled Joker: Folie à Deux, was premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2024. Initial reviews have been unfavorable, with a 33% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a similar audience score. Predictions suggest that the film will earn between $50-60 million during its opening weekend, marking a substantial drop compared to the first movie’s $96 million opening weekend in 2019.
What Is Joker: Folie à Deux About?
| Joker: Folie à Deux | |
|---|---|
| Starring | Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Catherine Keener, Brendan Gleeson, Harry Lawtey, Steve Coogan, Leigh Gill and Zazie Beetz |
| Written By | Todd Phillips and Scott Silver |
| Directed By | Todd Phillips |
For approximately two years now, Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix), who’s been imprisoned at Arkham State Hospital following his alleged involvement in six murders, is awaiting trial. His legal representative, Maryanne Stewart (Catherine Keener), plans to present evidence supporting the theory that Arthur suffers from dissociative identity disorder and that an alter ego named “Joker” was responsible for the series of killings. One of the wardens, Jackie Sullivan (Brendan Gleeson), proposes that Arthur attend a music therapy session to aid in managing his condition. This proposition ultimately brings him into contact with Harleen “Lee” Quinzel (portrayed by Lady Gaga), who shares her own turbulent upbringing, having grown up in the same neighborhood as Arthur did and confides in him about it.
Joaquin Phoenix Key Facts
- Played Johnny Cash in the 2005 biopic, Walk The Line.
- Sparked controversy with his last minute exit from Todd Haynes’ upcoming movie.
- He comes from a family of Hollywood stars, including the late icon, River Phoenix.
It’s come to light that her father, who was abusive and later died in a car accident, had imprisoned her for setting fire to their apartment building. Lee is a follower of the Joker’s actions and started a fire during a movie screening, leading to both of them being caught. Arthur was then placed in solitary confinement as punishment. Later, Lee announced her release in an attempt to separate them. However, she vowed to attend his trial and, adorning his iconic Joker makeup, they had sexual relations.
Afterward, Arthur conducts an interview with popular TV figure Paddy Meyers (portrayed by Steve Coogan). However, instead of a regular conversation, Arthur performs the interview in song. Meanwhile, Lee observes this unusual scene from outside, watching it unfold on a television screen.
On the trial day, the notorious Batman adversary, Assistant District Attorney Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey), presents witnesses to challenge Arthur’s insanity defense. Maryanne discloses that Lee hails from the Upper East Side and her living father, a doctor, is still around. To make matters worse, she admits to herself voluntarily committing at Arkham and leaving against medical advice. The story about burning down her apartment building was also fabricated. Arthur confronts Lee, who admits her deception as a means to get near him. She additionally reveals that she’s pregnant with his child and is preparing a home for them in his old apartment.
How does Joker: Folie à Deux End?
The following day, Arthur chooses to dismiss Maryanne and take on her role himself. He now sports his Joker makeup while questioning witnesses, such as Gary Puddles (Leigh Gill) and Sophie Dumont (Zazie Beetz). Harvey Dent brings the prosecution’s case to a halt, with no defense presented by Arthur. However, during his address, he levels criticism at the security personnel at Arkham Asylum, which leads to a brutal assault and rape by head guard Jackie Sullivan and two other guards as retribution. Upon returning to his cell, an inmate named Ricky challenges the guards, resulting in Jackie strangling him to death.
You can do anything you want. You’re Joker
On the subsequent trial day, Arthur publicly renounces the Joker character and accepts full accountability for his crimes. Lee exits in anger, and the jury rules Arthur guilty of first-degree murder. As the jury president announces the verdict, a car bomb detonates outside the courthouse, causing massive harm and disfigurement to many, including half of Dent’s face. Amidst the turmoil, Arthur manages to flee the courthouse with the assistance of two unknown individuals. However, he abandons them and wanders aimlessly through Gotham, eventually encountering Lee outside his former apartment. She spurns him for abandoning the Joker persona and confesses that her pregnancy was another deception, before departing as the police re-arrest Arthur and transport him back to Arkham. The next day, a new patient approaches Arthur and starts telling him a joke, only to repeatedly stab him in the abdomen. Arthur succumbs to his injuries while the patient carves a grin onto his own face, cackling insanely.
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2024-10-06 01:04