By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Like many, I was surprised to learn that
"Joker: Folie a Deux"—or "Joker 2"—would be part musical. What is even more surprising is how much I liked it.
Directed by
Todd Phillips ("Joker" and "A Star is Born") and co-written with
Scott Silver ("Joker") and
Bob Kane (TV's "The Penguin"), this sequel takes the franchise into uncharted territory.
Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as the iconic, deranged Arthur Fleck/Joker, while
Lady Gaga shines as his equally twisted love interest, Harley Quinn, known here as Lee Quinzel. Their dynamic is electric, infusing the film with both palpable tension and a bit of unexpected warmth.
While "Joker: Folie a Deux" retains the dark themes of its predecessor, at times it also introduces a more whimsical tone that feels fresh and lively.
But let's take it from the top.
"Joker: Folie a Deux" opens with a clever homage to Looney Tunes through the animated short/cartoon, "Me & My Shadow," offering a moment of levity before plunging into the darker depths of Arthur Fleck's life at Arkham Asylum. Here, he awaits trial for the murder of five people, including talk show host Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro).
At Arkham, Arthur has gained a sort of "celebrity" status, even catching the attention of some correctional officers, like the imposing Jackie Sullivan (a singing Brendan Gleeson, "The Banshees of Inisherin"). However, their acknowledgment doesn't translate to leniency. They tolerate Arthur's antics as a joke and laugh, but don't hesitate to dish out rough treatment whenever they feel like it.
Still, Arthur has been a model inmate, which prompts Jackie to do him a favor by enrolling him in music class in a nearby cellblock. It's there that Arthur meets fellow patient Harley "Lee" Quinzel (Lady Gaga), a wild spirit whose backstory involves burning down her parents' apartment building. As Harley reveals she’s Arthur’s biggest fan, their shared madness becomes an intoxicating bond. In a world filled with chaos and isolation, it’s inevitable that they would fall crazy in love.
Not everyone believes Arthur should be treated with kid gloves. Gotham City District Attorney Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey, "The Pale Blue Eye") has called a press conference announcing he's seeking the death penalty for him.
Meanwhile, Arthur's lawyer Maryanne Stewart (Catherine Keener, TV's "Lucky Hank") insists that he pleads insanity and show the public that he's shed his Joker persona.
The timing of it all is bad because Harley fell in love with his Joker personality and he's madly in love with her and will do whatever it takes to keep her by his side.
There a several fantasy sequences that take place in Arthur's twisted mind. Most are violent and abusive and are set to a number of songs such as "That’s Entertainment," "I’ve Got the World on a String,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now." "Gonna Build a Mountain," "For Once in My Life" and "(They Long to Be) Close to You."
It's a bit amusing how, despite Lady Gaga's efforts to embody a haggard appearance, she still looks polished and radiates brilliance during her musical numbers, especially in her poignant duet with Arthur on "To Love Somebody."
The film's final two scenes are a real knockout as well. With "Joker: Folie a Deux," director Todd Phillips has crafted a work that transcends mere sequel status, reinventing itself as both a psychological thriller and a musical. It challenges the conventions of the superhero genre and musical theater alike, delivering a unique film that offers a sharp, unflinching examination of mental illness, societal decay, and the fragile boundary between sanity and madness.
Granted, "Joker: Folie a Deux" is an odd mix and may not win over diehard "Joker" fans, but it's quite entertaining as well and leaves a lasting impression after the credits roll.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
