Joker: Folie à Deux is the musical thriller comic book film that has Joaquin Phoenix reprise his version of one of the most iconic super villains in entertainment. Todd Phillips directed this one and also co-wrote it with Scott Silver. Lady Gaga, Catherine Keener, and Brendan Gleeson are also included in the cast.
It’s five years after the first Joker film, and this sequel picks up a couple of years after Arthur Fleck dons the well-known persona. He has killed six people and is about to face his trial. He is incarcerated at Arkham Asylum, where he meets another patient named Harleen Quinzel, known as Lee, and enjoys a disturbing romance. In his imaginings, he is suddenly breaking out into song, and strange, demented musical numbers commence. Anyway, the Joker has gotten a fanbase due to his disdain for the government and the system which often exacerbates the sufferings of the downtrodden. His lawyer wants him to lean into his delusional tendencies so that she can get him off on an insanity plea. Lee wants to see more of the Joker identity and is encouraging Arthur’s more destructive proclivities. The trial is looming, and Arthur will have to decide whether or not fully embrace the Joker.
This has had a tough opening, and the overall reviews have not been kind. I have to admit I was a bit more drawn to it than I anticipated. Phoenix and Lady Gaga really are compelling together. I do sympathize with the critics in that some of musical interludes were rather distracting. Also, there is not that much action. There is a rather surprising twist at the end, however I recognized that twist from another iteration of the series. Of course, part of the problem is that the Joker really works best when he is actually having to contend with a certain batlike vigilante.
Phillips was going for a rather complicated character study and bring some attention to the failing of the mental health systems.
The charisma of the two leads does a lot to hold my attention in a sometimes rather slow story. It’s an interesting effort from Phillips to add his take on the legendary adversary of Batman.
Even though I can appreciate the efforts to try something rather creative and different, I found myself not entirely disagreeing with the criticisms from the professional reviewers.
Lady Gaga was a good choice as the female lead. She got to display her singing talents, and I have no objection to that. Phoenix seemed to not have any real difficulty picking up where he left off in his portrayal of his take on the Joker.
The film was not a total dud, Phillips would likely have done everyone a favor by letting the previous film stand alone.
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