Joker Is Not a “Criminal Mastermind” in Folie à Deux

As a long-time gamer and avid fan of the Batman universe, I have witnessed the evolution of The Joker character through various adaptations over the years. But none have resonated with me quite like Todd Phillips’ take in the movie “Joker.” Arthur Fleck’s portrayal as a sad, unstable man who snaps and becomes a symbol for disenfranchised individuals strikes a chord.


In the comics, The Joker is portrayed as insanely unpredictable, yet he possesses a remarkable intelligence and organizational skills, leading armies of henchmen. However, in Todd Phillips’ movie “Joker,” the character undergoes a transformation from a pathetic and troubled man named Arthur Fleck, who snaps and commits a murder on live television. In the film’s ending, Arthur is taken to Arkham Asylum, and in the subsequent movie, he encounters Lee Quinzel, another patient with whom he forms a unique connection. Unlike the classic Joker-Harley dynamic of the Joker manipulating his therapist and driving her insane, this new interpretation is less cunning.

Folie a Deux,” Arthur Fleck isn’t going to be a major figure in Gotham’s criminal world. He remains essentially the same character as in the first film, albeit with newfound recognition.

Phillips assured Empire magazine during an interview aligned with Comic-Con, “Arthur isn’t capable of such schemes. He’s never been that kind of person.”

The famous person is set to appear in the film. Despite being incarcerated, Arthur’s charisma and fanbase seem to still have an impact.

Phillips remarked, “Arthur has transformed into a representation for many. Unintentionally, he is bearing the consequences of the earlier film’s misdeeds, yet simultaneously discovering the one thing he longed for – love. Despite being pulled in various directions, Arthur’s essence has always remained unchanged: a pursuit of love.”

Harley Quinn was initially introduced in “Batman: The Animated Series,” serving primarily as a contrast to the Joker. However, she evolved into a unique character in the comics, especially following DC’s 2011 “New 52” overhaul. During this period, she starred in her own comic series penned by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, shaping many of Harley’s enduring traits. Since then, she has featured prominently in three live-action films – “Suicide Squad,” “Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn,” and “The Suicide Squad” – as well as an acclaimed animated series on Max.

Warner Bros. will release Joker: Folie ? Deux only in theaters on October 4.

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2024-07-26 19:10