As fans of the first Joker film, my plus one and I were excited to see what Director Todd Phillips could do with some huge star power and equally huge budget.
Unfortunately it seems like we should have lowered those expectations.
Following on from the events of the excellent first film, we delves deeper into the psyche of Arthur Fleck, played once again by the brilliant Joaquin Phoenix.
This time, Fleck is joined by Harley Quinn, a captivating and enigmatic fellow inmate brought to life by Lady Gaga.
Joker/Fleck is awaiting trial for the murders of the first film. Everyone around him from the guards, fellow inmates and even his lawyer speculate and seem fascinated by the character of Joker, though for Fleck this doesn’t seem to be something he thinks about all that much.
Starting strong with a traditional Warner Bro’s style animated sequence, though full of blood and adult themes, the film’s pacing starts to slow, often bordering on glacial. This glacially paced time shared with Fleck in prison is briefly illuminated by Gaga’s excellent Harley Quinn and some musical fantasy sequences which add much-needed energy to keep the audience going.
The film’s visual style is striking, with Gotham City rendered in a gritty and dark aesthetic. The cinematography is masterful, capturing the film’s disturbing atmosphere.
The film’s unique blend of musical elements and psychological drama sets it apart from traditional superhero fare. The songs swing between haunting and cheerful, perfectly complementing the film’s dark and unsettling tone. These were some of the best parts of the film.
Gaga’s performance is equally impressive, showcasing her versatility as both a singer and an actress. To say this is a musical is a stretch though, as her talents are never quite allowed to shine through, and white she steals every scene she is in, those scenes are few and far between – this is still very much a film about Joker.
While the plot may be somewhat mediocre, the film’s focus on character development and exploration of mental illness remains strong. Phoenix delivers another tour-de-force performance, capturing Fleck’s descent into madness with raw intensity. The chemistry between Phoenix and Gaga is palpable, adding depth and complexity to their on-screen relationship.
Joker: Folie à Deux is an unconventional, and somewhat uneventful sequel to the critically acclaimed 2019 film. Considering the apparent huge budget, and confirmed star power behind the sequel, we were left underwhelmed and couldn’t help think what could have been.
For fans of Lady Gaga or of the original, there will be enough in the film to get you splashing out for a comfy cinema seat, but for newcomers to the franchise, it unfortunately might be worth waiting for streaming.
– The Plus Ones
