As a huge fan of the original Joker, I eagerly anticipated the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, hoping it would capture the same intensity and emotional depth. Armed with first-day, first-show tickets, I walked into the theater ready for a spectacular experience. However, what I got was a frustrating, incoherent, and ultimately empty sequel.
The film once again stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, the mentally unstable man who becomes the Joker. Joining him this time is Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, and while both actors deliver excellent performances, the movie suffers from a lack of cohesion and depth. Despite the rich potential of exploring Gotham’s darker elements, Joker: Folie à Deux seems disconnected from the Batman universe entirely.
What Went Wrong?
The biggest issue with Joker: Folie à Deux is its inability to commit to a clear narrative. At times, it seems to focus on Harley Quinn’s obsessive love for the Joker, but then it abruptly shifts focus without giving enough screen time for her character to develop. Lady Gaga is fantastic in the role, but we never get to explore her motivations or the depths of her relationship with Joker. The movie’s indecisiveness leaves key characters and themes underdeveloped.
Visually, the film has its moments of brilliance. The lighting and camera work in certain scenes are exceptional, like when Arthur Fleck is locked in a cell, laughing, and only a thin slit of light illuminates his face. Another standout scene is Harley Quinn drawing a lipstick mark on the glass separating her from Joker. These moments show glimpses of the beauty and poetry that could have made the film memorable.
But despite these moments, the film’s pacing drags. There’s a constant tension that builds but never truly breaks. Unlike the first Joker, which had emotional spikes and climactic moments, Folie à Deux stays in a state of low-energy gloom, leaving the viewer waiting for something profound to happen. But it never does.
The Musical Gamble
Todd Phillips took a bold risk by incorporating musical elements into this sequel. On paper, the idea of a Broadway-inspired Joker film might seem intriguing, but in execution, it falls flat. While Lady Gaga’s performance as Harley Quinn has moments of brilliance, the film fails to fully embrace its musical side. The musical numbers feel half-hearted, as though the film can’t decide whether it wants to be a full-blown musical or just sprinkle in some songs.
In contrast to La La Land or other successful musicals that seamlessly integrate music into their storytelling, Joker: Folie à Deux wavers. If Phillips had committed fully to the musical vision, the film might have found its voice. Instead, it feels like a collection of ideas that never fully come together.
Final Verdict: Disappointing and Unfocused
Despite flashes of brilliance in its cinematography and performances, Joker: Folie à Deux ultimately disappoints. It feels like a missed opportunity to dive deeper into the psyches of its characters, and it never fully commits to any one idea or direction. The film leaves you yearning for the impact and emotional highs of the original but offers little in return.
Would I recommend it? Only to die-hard fans curious to see how it unfolds. Otherwise, it’s a frustrating watch that fails to live up to the promise of its predecessor. If you’re looking for a film that shows the potential of a great concept falling short, Joker: Folie à Deux is as good an example as any.
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