Joker: Folie à Deux

The Harley Quinn origin story is to 'Joker' as 'The Dark Knight' was to 'Batman Begins'. Echoing 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' the musical approach serves to convey nothing but pain and desperation, as Arthur Fleck stands trial and the mask finally comes off. It's in the courtroom, we learn what terrifying concept this Joker can be. I have so much more to say, but please go experience it for yourself. Dark and devastating, 'Joker: Folie à Deux' is arguably the movie of the year for me.

Wanna hear a joke? It's this movie. Wanna see a Joker who's neither funny, nor dangerous? This is your movie. Aimless, dull and full of forgettable songs, Joker: Folie à Deux misses to give Lady Gaga a dynamic and a role she was ready to have. It forgets to give the Joker any redeeming qualities whatsoever and hates its protagonist, his followers, its public and itself.

A miserable, dour slog that isn't about anything and has no reason to exist except for letting people who think the Joker is cool know that actually he's a complete lame loser which I kinda love in theory but it does it in the most uninteresting way possible - same with the musical element, it sounded fun but it’s boring as fuck. But Phoenix and Gaga are great, and if you are able to see it in 15/70mm IMAX go for it because it looks stunning.

fails in every edgy attempt it takes

I'm convinced Todd Phillips was playing a joke on the studio and the audience with this dreadfully tedious film.

Right off the bat: Making this a musical was a stroke of genius and while not everything came together in the end I applaud it for the many big swings it took. I only wish they had found a better framing than a courtroom to convey the points, but ultimately it's an uncompromising analysis of both the tragic character of Arthur and the misplaced status his Joker has in both the fictional world he inhabits and with a certain demography IRL.

Nothing really bothers me more in a movie than a musical with below average singers (no offense Lady Gaga). Why cast Lady Gaga if you’re gonna mostly have her sing in whisper tones? It’s a bummer because I thought the musical fantasy was actually a really good idea, but poorly executed. Other than that, the Joker character was fairly dull and worst of all - not funny and very docile.

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I appreciate it doing something different, but I honestly can’t tell whether I liked it or not. It did feel like it dragged in places and the musical moments weren’t all that great, but it seemed like a mostly logical step in the right direction for a sequel, despite the execution being super wonky in places.

filmekimi 24'

I admire the bold genre additions, and the performances and style are still beyond reproach. It's also thematically sound (Arthur coming to terms with the impact of his actions and love as his potential salvation). What would it have needed to succeed at what it's trying to do? Some original and better integrated songs. While Gaga can belt out a loud showstopper expertly, her somewhat raspy and/or high-pitched singing voice in many quiter songs didn't make for a particularly impressive musical.

Joker: Folie à Deux surpasses expectations with its bold creativity and satisfying execution. The seamless blend of genres and stunning musical elements creates a mesmerizing experience. While some may dislike it, from a creative perspective, the risks taken pay off. Visually striking and inventive, it captivates throughout, even if the ending doesn't fully satisfy. Overall, it's a daring and enjoyable film that pushes boundaries.