Joker: Folie a Deux review - A great musical with a mediocre plot

It wasn't just the DC lovers who were excited about Joker: Folie a Deux when the news about the sequel came out. Since then, people have been anticipating every possible aspect of the movie. Now, after five years of Joker, when the sequel finally hit the silver screen, the same people felt a major betrayal due to their overly inflated expectations.

Joker: Folie a Deux features the new face of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn and fans were excited to see her as well. She played her part in the movie along with Joaquin Phoenix, and both of their performances were something out of a cinematic playbook. And not to mention, both looked like they were going to starve themselves to death.

Joker: Folie a Deux contains plot twists that aim to shock and awe, with mixed results. The film’s climax, which ties back to the themes of identity and perception, attempts to leave the audience questioning the nature of Arthur’s reality. But the twists can feel somewhat predictable to those familiar with the genre's tropes.

The overall impact of the film is a testament to Phillips' ambition to push the boundaries of the comic book movie genre, yet it may fall short for fans seeking the raw, unsettling impact of the original.

While Folie à Deux makes bold choices in its portrayal of the Joker and his world, it ultimately serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing innovation with coherence in a plot deeply rooted in one of pop culture’s most iconic villains.

Joker: Folie a Deux - Cinematography and direction

Joker: Folie a Deux (Image via Warner Bros)

Joker: Folie a Deux shows Todd Phillips' evolving directorial vision which veers into a mix of musical drama and psychological thriller that aims to dissect the protagonist’s inner turmoil.

The cinematography, led by Lawrence Sher, is deliberate in its claustrophobic framing, which makes Arthur's isolation within Gotham’s vast, indifferent landscape more intense than it is.

Visual contrasts are stark with the grim interiors of Arkham Asylum set against occasional lush and dream-like musical sequences that jarringly pull the audience from one mood to another.

Phillips uses these shifts to mirror Arthur’s fractured psyche, which is an approach that demands attention but occasionally struggles under its own stylistic weight.

The direction is ambitious, seeking to blend grim plot elements with the spectacle of musical theater, yet it sometimes misses the mark by prioritizing style over substance which left viewers caught between the bleak reality of Arthur's world and the surreal expressions of his inner life.

Joker: Folie a Deux - Acting and character development

In Joker: Folie a Deux, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga deliver performances that capture the essence of their characters’ complicated relationship. Phoenix continues his portrayal of Arthur with a depth that oscillates between vulnerable and menacing, although his transition into musical performance feels less natural, occasionally pulling the viewer out of immersion.

Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Lee Quinzel/Harley Quinn brings a new dynamic to the film. She infuses the character with a mix of allure and danger and manages to stand out despite the script’s limitations.

The chemistry between Phoenix and Gaga is palpable, which provides a much-needed anchor for the film's more experimental moments.

Joker: Folie a Deux - Plot and storyline

The plot of Joker: Folie a Deux attempts to weave together a courtroom drama with a dive into the psyche of its lead, Arthur Fleck. The storyline ambitiously tries to tackle themes of identity, madness and fame within the confines of a society that both vilifies and idolizes the Joker. As Arthur stands trial, the plot explores his struggle with the Joker persona, which has come to define him despite his attempts to reject it.

The internal conflict is mirrored in the public’s perception, portraying a society that is both repulsed by and attracted to the spectacle of his downfall. The integration of these themes into the musical format is an interesting choice but feels inconsistently handled.

Some songs brilliantly enhance the plot while others seem disjointed and out of place, which disrupts the flow of the story rather than enriching it.

Joker: Folie a Deux - Expectations and musical elements

Given the critical and commercial success of the 2019 Joker, expectations for Folie à Deux were sky-high, particularly with the addition of musical elements that promised a fresh take on the character’s story. But the film’s execution of these elements has been polarizing.

The musical numbers are ambitious and aim to offer insight into Arthur’s mental state and the chaotic world of Gotham, but they often feel forced, lacking the organic integration seen in more traditional musicals.

The choice to use well-known tracks alongside original compositions is a double-edged sword, providing familiarity but also risking a mismatch with the film’s darker themes.

This aspect of the film, while innovative, might not resonate with all viewers, particularly those expecting a more traditional plot approach or a deeper exploration of the characters’ psyches without the interruption of the song.

Joker: Folie a Deux is playing in theatres now.

Edited by Prem Deshpande