Movie Review |’Joker: Folie à Deux’– A musical of misdirection

Damian Levy/ Gleaner Writer

This is not the film audiences are expecting. The 2019 film Joker offered an origin story of sorts for Gotham’s clown prince, chronicling his transformation and concluding in a satisfying way that required no epilogue. It also grossed over a billion dollars while offering only a glimpse of the title character in full costume. While it’s understandable that the story continues in Joker: Folie à Deux, fans hoping to see more of Joaquin Phoenix’s painted face may be in for a rude awakening.

After his crime spree lands him in a mental institution, Arthur Fleck is back on his medication, leaving him a far duller version of himself. Gone are his whimsical movements; all that remains is a shell of his former self, more alone than ever in a place indifferent to his well-being. That is, until he meets the love of his life — the mysterious and enigmatic Lee Quinzel, played by Lady Gaga.

The romance between the two unfolds through a series of intense conversations and musical numbers. While the first film depicted Fleck dancing to a tune only he could hear, the sequel takes audiences deep into the recesses of his mind, revealing how his unique brand of madness perceives the world. To escape the monotony — or perhaps to process his experiences — Fleck occasionally takes a break from reality.

Perhaps fittingly, these moments are jarring. While the film is a musical, it’s not the kind that excites you for the next number. Each time the characters break into song, the narrative comes to a halt, offering visually stunning set pieces that, despite featuring the vocal powerhouse of Lady Gaga, fall short in terms of musical impact.

Joker Folie à Deux can often be a frustrating experience. The desire to see Phoenix fully suited as the Joker is not entirely satisfied by the fantasies playing out in Arthur’s mind. This craving for more is mirrored by Arthur’s many acolytes, who are far more interested in his performance as the Joker than in the man beneath the makeup.

Joker Folie à Deux continues the themes of the first film, almost to a fault, holding firm in its advocacy for visibility of the mentally ill — not just when they’re engaging in violence for entertainment. Like Arthur’s medication, it’s a tough pill to swallow, especially given how bleak the film’s treatment of him can be. Much like in his The Hangover series, Todd Phillips seems content to rehash the formula of his previous films, once again subjecting Arthur to relentless misery before the credits roll.

For a film titled Joker, there’s very little of the character you know and love. The film explores the ramifications of the actions of a disturbed individual following a psychotic break, holding the audience in contempt for wanting to see his breakdown continue. It’s far from a crowd-pleasing movie, but it respectably commits to telling a story no one wanted to see.

Rating: Half Price

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com