REVIEW #413 Joker: Folie Á Deux (2024)

SYNOPSIS

Struggling with his duel identity, failed comedian Arthur Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn, whilst incarcerated in Arkham Asylum.

REVIEW

Universally criticised Joker Folie Á Deux joins the list of films that I will loyally defend, despite the barrage of negative reviews! This dramatised illustration of madness was not only visually captivating but emotionally too, using the themes of love, trauma and mental health to psychoanalyse Arthur Fleck, placing the audience in the jurors seat. I am still shocked to hear people were surprised that the film was partly a Jukebox musical, it was announced very early on and where some may have been disappointed by that aspect, I revelled in it! I’m not even a big fan of musicals, but when done right it can really work and in this case, I thought it was the perfect tool to represent Joker and Harley’s mutual descent into delusional fantasy and insanity. The juxtaposition of their far from perfect vocals in reality compared to their delightful sound within their fantasies, was a really nice touch. That’s emphasised by the illustrious set designs that lit up those cut scenes too.

Lady Gaga was the perfect choice for the role and alongside the talented Joaquin Phoenix, the pair make an impressive Joker & Harley Quinn! Joaquin’s physical transformation was incredible and it’s no surprise that he stated it would be impossible for him to execute it for a third time. It also contributed to the juxtaposition I mentioned earlier because reality Arthur Fleck was an ultra thin, weak bodied individual, whereas Joker in the cut scenes looked powerful, fuller and more intimidating too. This is a film with so many subtle details that enhance the storyline. The musical score and cinematography were particularly impressive, where the instrumentals were an audible representation of insanity kicking in and I mean, you can take a look at the many still images from the film and ascertain for yourself, the amazing work of Lawrence Sher.

Now I’m left baffled as to why so many people hate the highly anticipated sequel, perhaps they don’t like musicals, in which case I’d say it isn’t even a musical really, not in the traditional sense and there certainly isn’t as many extravagant musical numbers that you’d associate with a musical. I’ve seen some argue that this doesn’t fit as a ‘natural sequel’, but it’s literally Arthur being tried for the crimes he committed in the first film, a logical progression and one that really puts his mental state in the hot-seat for none other than Harvey Dent to pick apart. But I’ll be the first to admit that I seem to fall in the minority of people who really enjoyed the movie and I’m okay with that! One thing I will say, is at least go and make up your mind yourself, try it and don’t avoid the film just because someone’s told you it’s rubbish. There’s plenty to enjoy.

This next paragraph contains slight spoilers, so skip if you haven’t seen it yet…

One of the underlying themes of this is how people fall in love with the idea of someone, rather than the person themselves. Todd Phillips not only portrays this through Harley Quinn’s obsession with the Joker but also his fellow Arkham inmates and the Gotham masses who protest for his release too. It makes Arthur’s admission that the Joker doesn’t exist, so much more impactful, a sort of internal acceptance that he’s okay with being Arthur, but the result of that is; he not only loses Harley, but loses his life too. It’s a tragic conclusion and an emotional one at that, but I think it’s a piece of social commentary that works well and was executed nicely. But this is still DC and the film has plenty of Easter eggs to note! Also, it wouldn’t be Gotham without at least one attempt at breaking the Joker out, there was also the inclusion of Wayne Tower which was nice too.

RATING: 8.5 out of 10

Thanks for reading. 

Film Review Club