5 out of 5
Sharon Stone said it best, "Don't go out with anyone with more problems than you or you will become their psychologist". Her observation came to mind as I was watching Joker: Folie à Deux. 'Folie à deux' translates as 'madness for two' and having seen the film, the title makes perfect sense.
When Todd Phillips brought us Joker in 2019, I gave it 4.5 out of 5. I felt it was like nothing I had seen before. It disturbed me. It enthralled me. It entertained me. And it gave us a remarkable origin story that saw Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), who lived partially in his own fantasy world descend into chaos and eventually murder.
In a remarkable opening animated sequence, the Joker is impersonated by his shadow, who takes his place to perform his singing number for a TV show, and then abandons him on stage half-undressed, before three policemen arrive and beat him. This 'cartoon' foreshadows the film.
Joker: Folie à Deux finds Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) incarcerated in Arkham State Hospital for his crimes in teh first film. He is tormented and often beaten by the prison officers led by our on Brendan Gleeson. While there Fleck meets a fello inmate Harleen 'Lee' Quinzel (Lady Gaga) and the pair soon appear to be in love and plan their escape. After a failed attempt, Lee is released while Arthur goes to court. The film really has two halves; the first in Arkham and the second in the courtroom. Arthur continues to inhabit his fantasy world except this time he shares it with Lee.
I think this is a better film than the 2019 initial outing. “Joker: Folie à Deux” is more than a sequel; it is a deep dive into the psyche of its characters, enveloping the audience in a world of chaos, artistry, and human frailty. This continuation of the Joker's journey is, I believe, one of the most captivating character studies in modern cinema, and it does so by blending the grotesque with the beautiful, the madness with the melancholic. Director Todd Phillips’ vision goes beyond traditional comic book adaptations, presenting a visceral, cerebral narrative that solidifies the Joker as one of the most complex villains in cinematic history.
Those expecting the Clown Prince of Crime to wage war or stage chaos in Gotham will be disappointed by this film. There is action but not as in a conventional superhero film. This is a character study. It is a sadder film. It is a more fantastical film than the first and much of the fantasy is explored through music and song. It's not a musical per se but it does have singing and dancing. Allow yourself to become immersed in the narrative, in the allegory and you will be rewarded. The musical elements — particularly the use of song to convey the inner turmoil of the characters — blend seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the emotional gravity of the scenes.
While the first "Joker" presented Arthur Fleck's descent into chaos, *Folie à Deux* takes it a step further by exploring shared madness (as the title suggests) with the introduction of Lady Gaga’s character, Harley Quinn. Gaga's performance is electric, adding a new dimension to Arthur’s already fractured mind, as their toxic yet enthralling dynamic unfolds. The script's subtle interplay between these two volatile characters draws from an intimate understanding of human vulnerability, creating moments of dark, tragic beauty. Their chemistry is unnerving and seductive, pushing the boundaries of love, obsession, and delusion.
Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role with an even more unsettling depth. His portrayal of Joker was already an award-winning masterpiece, but in *Folie à Deux*, Phoenix’s Joker becomes a haunting figure of both terror and empathy. His physicality, his voice, and his mannerisms once again blur the line between villain and victim. Paired with Gaga’s transformative performance, the film delves into the rawest corners of emotional despair and psychosis, elevating it far beyond the realm of typical superhero fare.
In comparison to other films in the genre, *Folie à Deux* feels like a dark symphony. It isn’t simply a comic book movie; it is a modern psychological thriller, steeped in art-house aesthetics. With its strong direction, powerful performances, and haunting narrative, *Joker: Folie à Deux* solidifies itself as a landmark film — both for the Joker franchise and for cinema at large.
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