Joker: Folie à Deux premieres in theaters on Friday, October 4. This critique is based on a screening at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
Exploring a fresh take on DC’s iconic villain, Joker: Folie à Deux starts off with an innovative approach but eventually settles into predictable patterns. Despite being touted as a whimsical jukebox musical, this sequel to 2019’s Joker transitions into a courtroom drama, albeit not a particularly captivating one. The film shines brightest when it delves into new perspectives of its central character, especially through the portrayal of the captivating Harley Quinn by Lady Gaga. However, it frequently reverts to familiar territory, including recycled footage, rather than forging a new narrative path.
Set in Arkham Asylum, where Joker/Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) resides, the movie unveils a daily routine full of interactions with stern guards who demand jokes while he goes through mundane tasks. Director Todd Phillips, alongside cinematographer Lawrence Sher, captures this monotony in extensive, uninterrupted shots that immerse viewers in Joker’s gritty reality. As he awaits a trial, his lawyer suggests pleading insanity by treating “Joker” and “Arthur” as separate identities within one person.
The exploration of Joker’s dual personas and the impact of adopting such a persona on Arthur form a central theme of the film. While the legal strategy treats Joker’s actions as a dissociative response, his interactions with fellow patient Harleen “Lee” Quinzel hint at a deeper connection to his Joker persona.
Musical therapy sessions between the duo introduce a mix of recognizable Hollywood tunes and original songs, although the soundtrack fails to deliver any standout hits. The plot veers towards courtroom drama, teasing chaos as Arthur takes on the role of both defendant and attorney, yet falls short of truly exploring this turmoil.
Transitioning from an Arkham-centric narrative to a reflection on the original Joker film, Folie à Deux struggles to break free from its predecessor’s shadow. Returning characters rehash past events, while the courtroom drama fails to offer substantial insights into Arthur’s psyche or actions.
The film briefly delves into Arthur’s complex relationships and traumatic past, but these intriguing threads are quickly abandoned, leading to a disjointed narrative that fails to fully explore its characters or themes.
Phoenix’s portrayal of Joker exudes a deep understanding of the character, showcasing nuances in posture and demeanor that highlight the character’s evolution. His seamless transition between Arthur and Joker adds layers to the performance, emphasizing the internal conflict within the character.
Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn injects a dynamic energy into the film, offering a nuanced and captivating performance that adds depth to the narrative. However, the movie falls short of fully exploring the musical and emotional potential of her character.
While Joker: Folie à Deux presents intriguing themes and character dynamics, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and satisfying narrative. Despite its initial promise, the film becomes bogged down by its predecessor, struggling to carve out its own identity.