As a long-time comic book enthusiast and cinephile, I must say that the latest installment of the Joker franchise, “Joker: Folie ? Deux,” has left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, it was a gripping continuation of Arthur Fleck’s tragic tale, and Joaquin Phoenix once again delivered an exceptional performance. However, on the other hand, I can’t help but feel that the series is losing its way.
In the film “Joker: Folie ? Deux,” the surprising finale sparked much discussion. The character Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix) rejects his Joker persona publicly, yet is confined to Arkham Asylum for the crimes committed in the first movie. However, Arthur’s time in Arkham doesn’t last long. A fellow patient who idolizes “Joker” approaches him in a hallway and fatally stabs him, leaving Arthur to appear lifeless on the floor with a smile carved into his face by the attacker, who then laughs madly.
Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix, having wrapped up their work on “Joker: Folie ? Deux,” have no intention of continuing as the faces of any official Joker backstory. It seems fans are tired of the idea of The Joker needing an origin story, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Joker movie series must conclude as well.
What Went Wrong With These Joker Movies
Viewers found it difficult to separate Joker (2019) from the Batman mythology, even though director Todd Phillips, actor Joaquin Phoenix, and others made clear statements that the film had no ties to any Batman movie universe or lore. The reasons for this misinterpretation were numerous:
The confusion about what the Joker film franchise was supposed to be, and why it even needed to exist in the first place, was always an anchor hanging around Phillips’ films. But now that the door has been opened on Joker as a solo movie character, the concept can be done differently – arguably better – in further installments.
How Joker 2 Sets Up More Sequels
The final act and conclusion of “Joker: Folie à Deux” suggest that the Joker persona transcends Arthur Fleck, representing a symbol of violence, disorder, and rebellion sought by disturbed or discontented individuals. Instead of resisting this notion, why not explore other exciting possibilities with the character and concept, as comics often do?
Instead of focusing solely on “Joker 3” concluding a trilogy involving Arthur’s survival and confrontation with the perils posed by his imitators, an alternative approach could be considered. Warner Bros. and DC might want to explore different directions – ones that don’t revolve around the Arthur Fleck character. This could potentially involve adapting a comic like “Three Jokers,” where three distinct Joker figures (Arthur vs. two copycats) engage in a confrontation based on various interpretations of the Joker persona. However, considering Phillips and Phoenix’s apparent conclusion with this storyline, it might be wise to consider fresh concepts.
How The Joker Movies Can Continue Without Arthur Fleck
The fundamental aspect of The Joker’s character, being a villain without a fixed origin or persona, has become deeply ingrained. The Joker film series could capitalize on this by adopting an anthology format, featuring multiple tales about the Joker. Since the audience understands that these narratives aren’t official, future Joker movies can serve as a canvas for creators to explore various themes and symbolism behind what causes someone to transform into a maniacal clown terrorizing Gotham City. These stories could draw inspiration from comic book storylines and previous depictions of the Joker or introduce fresh creations altogether.
As a devoted fan, I’ve always pondered about an innovative take on the Joker, steering clear from the origin story trope. Recent comic book adaptations have demonstrated that the Clown Prince of Crime stands tall as a captivating solo character. One such example is the riveting saga, Batman: White Knight (2017-2018), penned by Sean Murphy. In this tale, “Jack Napier” undergoes a remarkable transformation, overcoming his Joker persona and embarking on a political career as an ordinary citizen. However, the plot thickens as Napier’s anti-Batman ideology and mental wellbeing come under scrutiny, leading to intense conflict. This critically acclaimed series not only produced a captivating alt-universe but also sparked a flurry of sequels and spinoff narratives – a desire shared by fans like me, eager to witness this compelling story unfold on the big screen. Such an approach could undoubtedly breathe fresh life into the Joker movie brand.
Instead of being entirely dissimilar, the Joker movie series could resemble the styles seen in “The Crow” and “Hellboy,” both of which have experimented with soft reboots tailored for distinct audiences in each film. However, if the Joker franchise persists, it should aim to surpass the content we’ve previously seen from Phillips’ films.
Joker: Folie ? Deux is now in theaters.
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2024-10-08 01:10