Joker: Folie à Deux is Todd Philips’s most recent installment in the Joker series. The latest film follows the chaos the Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix, unleashed on New York City in the 2019 original.
Helpless and depressed in a psych ward, Arthur Fleck, the Joker, finds himself unable to mutter even the beginnings of a joke as he is consumed by his impending jury trial. When heading out for an interview to address the public, Fleck collides with Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga, who reignites sparks within him and drives the Joker out into full view, clashing head-on with the corrupt system that’s trying to indict him with the death penalty.
The movie dives headlong into the psychological burdens of the trials and explores deeply Fleck’s mind, who battles his identity as both the Joker and an agonized man amidst a system geared to take him down. Through his experiences at Arkham Asylum and the courtroom, Fleck finds himself slipping further away, consumed by his newfound desire for Harley Quinn.
Utilizing the voice of Lady Gaga, the film synthesizes a beautiful score into the plot, transforming parts into a musical. the score amplifies the extent of their psychological insanity, formulating a unique avenue to explore the characters in an unconventional way.
Philip’s cinematography is breathtaking. With dynamic shots filled with complex undertones and ambiance that match the emotional state of the characters, Philips creates a beautiful visual experience that engages the audience. From moody, deep blue shots of Fleck in the psych ward to bright and dazzling performances on the grand stage, the film fluctuates constantly in its appearance, matching the characters’ internal states.
While many are quick to criticize the film for its apparent downfalls, it does effectively continue the Joker series while adding a unique and enthralling spin that tests the boundaries of cinema and the audience’s expectations. Further, while the plot is derided for its seemingly slow pace, the storyline matches the film’s hallucinatory and mental focus as it extensively takes viewers through the complexities of Fleck’s mind and his development as the Joker. In essence, the Joker embodies all of society’s corruption.
Joker: Folie à Deux is an avant-garde film that is an exciting and thought-provoking watch. The film provides a unique and thrilling experience.
With a convoluted ending that leaves openings for much more to be answered, there is undoubtedly more to come in this universe. Amongst the fall slate of films, I highly recommend that any viewer embark to the theater to engage with this movie in its full beauty and delve into the troubled mind of the Joker, Arthur Fleck.