Joker: Folie à Deux review – Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga shine in downbeat sequel

Joker: Folie à Deux review – Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga shine in downbeat sequel
4.0 out of 5 star rating

In the year 2019, the movie “Joker” made its debut at the Venice Film Festival and was awarded the prestigious Golden Lion as the top winner. Now, five years later, the sequel titled “Joker: Folie à Deux” returns to the same festival, once again competing for top honors

In his reprisal of the role that earned him an Oscar, Joaquin Phoenix once again takes on Arthur Fleck. While not reaching the same level of intensity as the original, this story maintains the ability to catch us off guard. Todd Phillips, back in the director’s chair, has transformed the gritty, grey Gotham psychodrama into a musical-like production, featuring Phoenix and others crooning classic tunes. Admittedly, it’s an unusual twist, but it somehow manages to work, albeit with some reservations

Known familiarly by his followers as the psychotic jester Joker, Fleck currently resides in Arkham Asylum, anticipating a possible court hearing over his involvement in five murders, among them the slaying of television personality Murray Franklin during a live broadcast

wording suggestion: His reputation has become widespread enough for a TV movie to be produced about his exploits. However, the powers that be won’t allow him to view it, and he frequently ponders if it’s any good. (The joke is that he can’t stop wondering about its quality.)

Even though he remains skeletally thin, Fleck shows little reaction at first, but when a prison officer (Brendan Gleeson) encourages him to join a music class, he gradually comes out of his shell. In this new setting, he crosses paths with Lee Quinzel (known as Harley Quinn in DC Comics), who is portrayed by Lady Gaga throughout the storyline

Joker: Folie à Deux review – Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga shine in downbeat sequel

As a devoted admirer, I’d rephrase it as follows:

In an attempt to enhance Fleck’s public standing, his legal representative (Catherine Keener) has arranged for a private interview with a tenacious journalist, portrayed by Steve Coogan, on television

In my critique, when the defense argues that Fleck suffers from Multiple Personality Disorder, it resonates with me as if I’m listening to the numerous musical interludes, which seem akin to scenes from within his mind. This mirrors the way he visualized his comedic career in the original film, making the storyline even more immersive and intriguing

Certainly, given his background as a former stand-up comedian, it’s fitting that Fleck occasionally breaks into song, considering he views himself as the ultimate entertainer. There’s even a segment in the storyline known as the Joker & Harley Show, where they resemble Sonny and Cher in appearance

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In this movie, music plays continuously, featuring songs like “That’s Entertainment” and “Why Do Birds Suddenly Appear.” However, neither Phoenix nor Gaga perform these tunes in a powerful way. Instead, the performances align with the film’s tone, which means they’re more subdued both vocally and in terms of dance moves. So, you won’t see Joaquin dancing like Fred Astaire in tap shoes

In the latter part of the movie “Joker: Madness Shared” – which means ‘a madness shared by two’ in French – the storyline shifts towards a courtroom setting, with Fleck standing trial. Here, the clown becomes the centerpiece of an unusual legal proceeding

Amazingly, this new film surpasses its predecessor in terms of melancholy, surprisingly so given the musical aspect. The heavy, somber tone that Phillips applies gives it a distinct flavor. Additionally, while unrest is again stirring in the streets of Gotham, the movie seems to be making an effort to separate itself from the nihilistic incel-culture hinted at earlier, even though disturbances are once more brewing

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that there’s absolutely no reference to Batman in this tale, which places it light years away from the gritty crime-fighting world of Gotham City and the Caped Crusader, if you can imagine such a distance

Phoenix effortlessly resumes the melancholic role, making it seem like just yesterday. This is an exceptional display of adaptability and flexibility in his acting skills

In the meantime, Gaga serves as an effective sparring partner, her Harley Quinn character being notably subdued compared to Margot Robbie’s portrayal in recent films. Although the film may not capture the raw, intense energy of Joker, it still presents a dark and gritty narrative that strives to redefine the genre of comic book movies

Joker: Folie à Deux will premiere in cinemas on Friday 4th October 2024.

2024-09-04 21:04

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