‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ The Shared Vision

This interesting twist from the Detective Comics series about a lonely individual who struggles through life and can only cope while under disguise as a clown. Living with his mother and working as a part-time entertainer, he fantasizes that he will appear on a television show that he watches every day. Finally, he cracked after being picked on and treated poorly his whole life and becomes the Joker where he goes on a killing rampage. 

Arthur Fleck / Joker (Joaquin Phoenix) is in Arkham prison awaiting trial for his five murders. His daily routine involves lots of pain and teasing from the guards, especially his favorite sentry, Jackie Sullivan (Brendan Gleeson). One day he gets Arthur the opportunity to go to a singing class, mostly because Jackie loves to sing, where he meets Harleen “Lee” Quinzel / Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). From there Fleck falls for this beautiful, strange woman that captures his heart.  Warned by his lawyer, Maryanne Stewart (Catherine Keener), who is trying to get him out of prison and sent to a hospital that can help him by trying to claim an insanity case, the danger he is in with having this new interest. 

With the case looming ever so closely, Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey), the newly elected district attorney, is building his argument to keep Arthur in jail forever. Trying to show the residents that elected him, what his new picture that has to be painted of the Joker needs to be and that is to distinguish what the people of Gotham believe Fleck to be; the savior. As the Joker begins to reappear the journey, he is on can only go in two directions; one way or the other we might be in for a rude awakening.

Going in a different direction, director Todd Phillips decided to create a violent musical that plays out as a thrilling crime drama. Keeping it true to the first installment most of the song and dance revolves around the imagined dream sequences that this fascinating character experiences. Even though Todd did manage to slip in a few songs during the actual story dialogue but keeps it subtle. He put together an excellent soundtrack that included many melodies from the thirties, fifties, and sixties, such as, “That’s Entertainment”, “What the World Needs Now is Love”, and “That’s Life”, just to name a few. As for special effects and make-up, Phillips did an wonderful job keeping the characters costumes and maquillage in tack with the first rendition, including the perfectly placed blood splatter and the outstanding explosions when needed. 

The storyline does get lost in itself and was also long and drawn out. It could have had something but went into a different direction, losing its luster. The film is very enjoyable and worth watching, but keep in mind it is intended to belong to the “What if…” style of production.  If you are a huge fan of the Joker, then you will still enjoy what this flick has to offer.

Final Comment: I based my grade on the interesting storyline, great soundtrack, and energized performance. 

Stars 3 out of 5

Additional Film Information

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Harry Lawtey.
Directed and written by: Todd Phillips
Genre: Crime, Drama, Musical, and Thriller
MPAA Rating: Rated R for some strong violence, language throughout, some sexuality, and brief full nudity.
Running Time: 2 hours and 18 minutes
Release Date:  October 4, 2024
Distributed By: Warner Bros.
Release In: IMAX, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, and Standard.