“Joker: Folie À Deux” brings us back into the world of Arthur Fleck, better known as Joker, with Joaquin Phoenix reprising his unforgettable role from the 2019 hit. Directed by Todd Phillips and co-written with Scott Silver, this film takes a bold new approach—transforming into a musical, but one that explores the psychological depths of madness, love, and chaos. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, the movie has captivated audiences with its unique blend of music, fantasy, and the gritty reality of Gotham City.
The title “Folie À Deux” refers to a shared madness—a psychological condition where two people share the same delusions. This concept is perfectly embodied in the relationship between Arthur Fleck and Harleen Quinel, aka Harley Quinn, portrayed by Lady Gaga. Their dynamic forms the crux of a bizarre love story set against a backdrop of violence and societal collapse.
A New Vision of Madness
The movie opens in a surprising way, with an animated sequence inspired by the classic Looney Tunes cartoons of Warner Bros.’ golden age. In this animated introduction, we see Joker walking through a theater lobby, passing by posters of films like “The Band Wagon” with Fred Astaire and “Pal Joey” with Frank Sinatra. This nostalgic visual not only evokes classic Hollywood but also serves as a forewarning for the clash between fantasy and reality that is about to unfold in Joker’s mind.
The narrative picks up two years after the events of the first film, where Joker infamously killed TV host Murray Franklin and Bruce Wayne’s parents live on air. Now, Arthur is incarcerated in Arkham Asylum, heavily medicated and awaiting trial. Despite his confinement, he has become a cult figure, idolized by a growing number of fans who view him as a revolutionary. One such admirer is Lee, another patient at Arkham, who feels a deep connection to Joker, fueled by her obsession with his televised rise to infamy.
A Love Story Within Madness
As Arthur and Lee’s relationship grows, so does the vibrancy of the film. What starts in a drab, monochrome world slowly transforms into a colorful, musical fantasy. The shift symbolizes Arthur’s internal journey as he opens up to Lee and reveals his true self through song and dance. The idea that music lives inside Arthur, waiting to be released, was already hinted at in the first film, and it comes to full fruition in Folie À Deux.
One standout moment sees Arthur and Lee watching the 1953 MGM musical The Band Wagon, in which Fred Astaire sings “That’s Entertainment.” This song becomes a recurring motif, but it’s performed in much darker, stripped-down versions that reflect the characters’ internal chaos.
While both Phoenix and Lady Gaga are known for their vocal prowess, here they take a more understated approach. Neither Arthur nor Lee are portrayed as traditional singers, but rather as two people using music as a form of emotional release, with fantasy sequences styled like grand MGM productions from Hollywood’s golden age.
Blending Fantasy and Reality Through Music
Phillips masterfully orchestrates a series of musical numbers that reflect the complex emotions of the characters. For instance, “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” from Pal Joey revives the charm of old Hollywood, while Judy Garland’s “Get Happy” brings a burst of optimism into a dark world. Lady Gaga’s most memorable moment comes with her rendition of “That’s Life” during the end credits, where the song feels more like a personal reflection rather than a performance by her character, Harleen.
These musical interludes are not mere distractions or forced breaks from the story. Instead, they are deeply woven into the film’s narrative, with each song choice symbolizing key plot points or emotional revelations. The dream-like musical sequences contrast sharply with the bleak reality of Gotham City, adding layers to the story that deepen the characters’ psychological struggles.
A Commentary on Modern Society
One of the film’s most impactful scenes is Joker’s trial, where he defends himself dressed in full Joker attire, becoming a symbol for the masses who idolize him. This scene serves as a pointed commentary on today’s media-obsessed world, where sensational figures are often glorified while serious societal issues are pushed aside. It’s Phillips’ way of asking, “What is entertainment, and what are the consequences of making it the center of our attention?”
In a world dominated by tabloids and social media, Joker’s rise to folk-hero status reflects the public’s hunger for spectacle over substance. It’s a thought-provoking critique of how modern entertainment often overshadows more pressing concerns, and through Joker, Phillips explores the moral complexities of a society that embraces chaos.
Stellar Performances and Production
Joaquin Phoenix once again delivers a masterful performance as Arthur Fleck/Joker, exploring new depths of the character that were not seen in the first film. His ability to convey both vulnerability and menace, while also singing and dancing, elevates this performance to another level. Lady Gaga, as Lee/Harley Quinn, is equally compelling, portraying a raw and intimate version of Harley that stands in contrast to Margot Robbie’s more energetic take on the character.
Supporting actors like Brendan Gleeson as the prison warden, Catherine Keener as Joker’s lawyer, and Steve Coogan as a TV interviewer all add richness to the film’s world.
Visually, Joker: Folie À Deux is a triumph. Lawrence Sher’s cinematography captures the dark, foreboding atmosphere of Gotham, while Mark Friedberg’s production design and Arianna Phillips’ costumes add a layer of authenticity and style to the film. The haunting score by Hildur Guðnadóttir, who also composed the music for the first film, perfectly complements the film’s tone, creating an eerie yet beautiful soundscape.
Conclusion: A Bold Cinematic Experience
Joker: Folie À Deux is far more than a typical sequel—it’s a film that combines music, drama, violence, and dark comedy to create a wholly unique cinematic experience. Todd Phillips successfully reinvents the musical genre by blending it with a psychological thriller, resulting in a film that will leave audiences thinking long after the credits roll.
With a mix of fantasy, reality, and raw emotion, Joker: Folie À Deux takes its place as one of the most innovative films of the year. Phoenix and Gaga’s performances, combined with Phillips’ bold vision, make this a movie that stands out in a sea of blockbusters. Whether you’re drawn in by the music, the madness, or the story of two lost souls finding each other in a world gone mad, this is a film that demands attention.
Producers: Todd Phillips, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Joseph Garner
Title: Joker: Folie à Deux
Festival: Venice (Competition)
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Release Date: October 4, 2024 (October 2 internationally)
Director: Todd Phillips
Screenwriters: Todd Phillips and Scott Silver
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Leigh Gill, Steve Coogan, Harry Lawtey, Bill Smitrovich
Rating: R
Running Time: 2 hr 18 mins
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 4th October 2024