Joker Folie à Deux Review: Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, despite great performances, fail to rise above the sluggish storytelling

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Plot: 

As a die-hard fan of the Joker, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this sequel like a clown waiting for his circus to arrive! The visual spectacle and performances in Joker: Folie à Deux are simply breathtaking, especially Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck. But, let me tell you, this film is no laughing matter.

In a new turn of events, Folie à Deux unfolds after Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, ends the life of Murray Franklin, played by Robert De Niro, on his live talk show. Consequently, Arthur is admitted to Arkham Asylum, awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker, with a total of 5 murders charged against him. His defense attorney endeavors to establish that it was actually Arthur’s alter ego, the Joker, who committed the killings and that he has since regained sanity. On the other hand, The State’s prosecution aims to demonstrate that Arthur was entirely in control of his actions during the murders of civilians, suggesting he had been orchestrating the whole situation from the start. Remarkably, this case marks the first instance where a court trial is broadcast live to the public.

At the asylum, Arthur encounters Harley Quinn (portrayed by Lady Gaga), and they develop a romantic relationship. What binds them is their shared eccentricity, which makes their connection strong.

In the movie “Joker: Folie à Deux,” we’ll delve into whether Arthur’s actions are controlled by a genuine split personality or if he is fully conscious of everything he does. We’ll also explore if Harley is genuinely in love with Arthur or has been deceiving us all along, and the court case verdict will be revealed as well.

What Works for Joker: Folie à Deux

In simpler terms, the Joker states that “Folie à Deux” is visually stunning and the acting is top-notch. The background music is eerily fantastic, and the musical elements of the movie are surprisingly enjoyable. At times, the film creates a hypnotic effect that’s hard to resist. Making a sequel to a highly praised film like Joker takes courage, but it presents both successes and failures as it discards some aspects loved in the first part and introduces something completely different.

What Doesn’t Work for Joker: Folie à Deux

The film “Joker: Folie à Deux” began with some potential, but ended up feeling aimless and unconvincing. The story lacked depth and purpose, making it seem slow and dull. The courtroom scenes prolonged the movie and took away any excitement. The creators took too many liberties with the scenes and they didn’t fit together well. Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn had limited material to work with. Her relationship with Arthur wasn’t developed properly, so it was hard to feel a deep connection with their bond. From a broader perspective, “Joker: Folie à Deux” might not resonate with everyone because the Joker in this movie is quite different from the classic comic book character. This new version of the Joker, created by Todd Phillips, is unlike the original character. While I personally enjoyed this version, the slow pace and lack of plot direction were disappointing.

Watch the Joker: Folie à Deux Trailer:

Performances In Joker Folie à Deux:

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga deliver exceptional performances as Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn. Their on-screen chemistry is captivating, making the film a more engaging experience. Without their performances, the movie might have lacked any real redemption.

Final Verdict of Joker Folie à Deux:

While Joker: Folie à Deux may not be a film that can be easily dismissed or undervalued, it ultimately falls short and seems less compelling compared to its predecessor, despite some strong acting performances. It’s clear that it is not as powerful as the original. However, fans of the Joker franchise will find elements in it worth appreciating.

You can watch Joker Folie à Deux at a theatre near you, now.

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2024-10-02 12:53