Joker: Folie à Deux - A Deep Dive into Pain and Performance

I haven’t seen the first Joker movie from 2019, nor have I read any DC Comics material about the Joker in general. This lack of context may impact my review, as it seems I’m approaching Joker: Folie à Deux as a standalone piece.

Over the past few days, I've observed reactions to the film from all corners of the world. The absence of reference to the previous film made it challenging to fully grasp others' opinions and understand the avalanche of negative responses this film received. I could hardly wait to see it for myself and compare my reactions with those of others. I knew one thing would be spectacular: the cinematography and acting, and I was absolutely right!

Arthur Fleck, a.k.a. Joker - a broken man shaped by childhood trauma was portrayed spectacularly by Joaquin Phoenix, who deserved the Oscar for the predecessor. His ability to engage all his mental faculties and fully immerse himself in a character so different from his own reality is utterly fascinating. Phoenix’s talent is truly remarkable. His embodiment of the Joker, who endures an emotional rollercoaster and grapples with the mental pain of his actions, leaves you speechless. From losing significant weight to mastering the ominous laugh, body language, and subtle facial expressions, Phoenix delivered a mesmerizing performance. Lady Gaga as Lee Quinzel was equally impressive; the camera truly loves her.

So here I am, sharing my honest opinion on the film: I absolutely loved it. It captivated me from beginning to end. The cinematography, sound, editing, and state-of-the-art orange-teal color grading were phenomenal. The story was rich and profound, peeling back the layers of our psyche in a society that is fundamentally broken and ill.

Arthur represents an individual cast aside by society, grappling with his own demons and a fractured psyche. Deep down, he yearns for love and acceptance, yet he becomes a target for manipulation, serving as a conduit for others’ frustrations.

As I left the theater, I began to understand why some people didn’t embrace this version of the Joker. It’s reminiscent of a group of friends with toxic traits, all sharing similar life experiences. When one person decides to move on and distance themselves from that part of their identity, the rest of the group often struggles to support that choice, even though they know it will benefit the individual.?

Facing our own shadows and choosing to heal our deep inner wounds is incredibly difficult, painful and time-consuming. In our society, it’s much easier to mask the pain, with a buffet of options to choose from - overeating, substance use, and other forms of escape, much like the Joker movie itself. We all need to vent and often project our unprocessed emotions onto something else. Unfortunately, many people direct that projection onto others. The real problem with Joker:?Folie à Deux?is that none of this was available in the sequel; it was the antithesis of that.

Another aspect of the criticism was the musical element, which I personally found fitting for the story. It revealed Arthur's inner world; for him, entertainment and singing served as a form of escape from his pain and suffering. However, I believe that if the director had cut the number of songs by 25%, the film could have been just as incredible, if not more.

As I always say, social media platforms are fantastic for sharing our opinions, views, and passions especially when it comes to cinema. However, they can also be a double-edged sword. With Joker: Folie à Deux, I see the damage caused by those who reject the new format without even taking the time to experience it.?

Time will tell. My prediction for the film is that it will age like fine wine. In a few years, it will be regarded as a masterpiece for daring to convey a profound message that challenged societal norms but will ultimately be embraced and adored...

Overall rating: 9/10

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