Joker 2: Spoiler Free Review

October 4th was the opening night for the sequel of Todd Phillips’ successful 2019 film, Joker.  The highly anticipated thriller starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, Joker: Folie à Deux, turned out to be a work of art that much of the audience hadn’t been prepared for.  The movie had previously been announced to have musical aspects as to which many fans ignored and were ultimately displeased with their viewing experience.  Joker: Folie à Deux is a new interpretation on an idea of the renowned comic book character that should be viewed with an open mind and limited expectations for viewer enjoyment.  

Something Different From the Director

Todd Phillips took a big swing when putting together the script for Arthur Fleck’s continued tale.  The plot of this story doesn’t have the action or anarchy that many viewers were expecting to see.  It more so focuses on the mental well being and identity struggles of our main character.  Within the film we witness something very similar to a courtroom drama that had the potential to not resonate with the initial fandom of the first film.  Unfortunately this was the case and the movie tanked in the box office on opening weekend earning a 33% on rotten tomatoes.   

The Musical Aspect

One of the biggest critics of this movie was that there was just “too much singing”.  Joker is a character that is infamously known for his goofy personality and antics that often include both expressional singing and dancing.  Phoenix and Gaga take advantage of the musical inductions, performing extremely well choreographed dancing and vocals that represent Arthrur’s psyche and his struggle to identify what’s real and what is fantasy.  The songs were great additions to give the viewers the ability to see where Arthur stood on his current situation and how he felt emotionally.  

Misunderstanding From the Audience

After seeing many reactions to the movie, one could say that the general audience misinterpreted what it really was.  Viewers that were unhappy with what they saw potentially entered the theater with preformed expectations of what they wanted to see with no room for any other possibilities.  They wanted to see the violent kingpin of crime that they know so well.  But in reality this isn’t a story about The Joker that we all know.  This is a story about Arthur Fleck.  A story about an ill and broken man that had discovered newfound fame and glorification of an idea of him that he never asked for.  

Joker: Folie à Deux is definitely a film that needs to be up for each individual viewer’s own interpretation.  The acclamation of mixed reviews all seem to either love or hate it with nothing in between.  All in all this is a solid stand alone series that is appreciated best if the watcher goes in with an open mind and watches it for what it is.  If you’re interested and want to learn about theater that is happening on campus at KWU click here.