That Joker 2 ending – is it a Dark Knight connection?

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As a seasoned movie critic who has spent decades traversing the cinematic landscapes of the world, I must confess that Joker: Folie à Deux, or Joker 2 as it is commonly known, left me with a profound sense of ambiguity and intrigue.

Title “Joker: Folie à Deux” (often referred to as “Joker 2”) is sparking diverse reactions among viewers regarding the plot, music, casting, and of course the dark finale that aligns perfectly with the original movie. Director Todd Phillips has been questioned about the mysterious ending and any potential links to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight series.

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In a chilling and grim finale, Arthur, played by Jared Leto, is viciously attacked by an unidentified Arkham patient, portrayed by Connor Storrie, who seems to be mentally deranged. This individual shares a joke before repeatedly stabbing Arthur in the abdomen, causing him to bleed profusely and collapse on the floor, seemingly dying. The attacker then bursts into maniacal laughter as he carves a Glasgow smile into his own face with a knife.

Phillips explained that the initial film is titled “Joker,” not “The Joker.” He emphasized that it has always been referred to as an “origin story” rather than “THE origin story.” The implication being that this may not be the definitive version of the Joker, but perhaps just the inspiration for him. Phillips also noted that their portrayal of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker character is different from traditional depictions, as he is not a seasoned criminal mastermind, even in the first movie.

If we hadn’t produced a sequel, it would have been as if the portrayal of the Joker wouldn’t resemble the one we knew from our childhood stories. You understand what I’m saying? Essentially, the character Arthur isn’t that kind of Joker. In other words, when a figure becomes iconic, society and media tend to project certain expectations onto them that may be beyond their capabilities.

Although it might seem like a nod or tribute to Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the character due to their similar facial scars, it is highly unlikely that Storrie’s character shares any connection with Ledger’s Joker, considering that the Batman trilogy of Phillips and Nolan doesn’t align in time or universe with Ledger’s Joker. “The Dark Knight” was set in the modern 2000s era, whereas the “Joker” films are a revisit to the ’80s timeline.

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It seems highly improbable that Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” or the rebooted DC Universe overseen by James Gunn and Peter Safran, following the conclusion of the Joker 2, will bring back the character of Phoenix.

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2024-10-05 13:23