Sunday, October 20, 2024

Joker: Folie a Deux

 


       Less a sequel and more like a continuation, this film picks up directly after the events of the first film. It starts with a terrific animated sequence that soon dissolves to the prison where Arthur Fleck is awaiting a psychiatric evaluation before he can stand trail for multiple murders. The film rotates between the prison and the courtroom, interspersed with musical numbers in Arthur's delusional imagination.

        The film, of course, stars Joaquin Phoenix returning as Arthur Fleck. In inspired casting, Lady Gaga plays Harleen (Lee) Quinzel, Artur's love interest. The two have great chemistry and their scenes together are electric (even if Mr. Phoenix is not the best singer). Mr. Phoenix's acting, however, is exceptional. He is amazing a s fleck. It's a shame the script doesn't do him justice.

         Co-written and directed by Todd Phillips, This is an unnecessary film that has no real plot and blends drama and music in a ridiculous way. It ultimately goes nowhere and if not for the performances of it's two stars, it's not worth your time (wait for streaming if you must see it). 

        The film co-stars Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Harry Lawtey, and Bill Smitrovich.

         As with the first film, while taking place in Gotham City, it has no Batman or Commissioner Gordon. It has a Joker, Harley Quinn, and even a Harvey Dent but otherwise exists outside of the usual DC universe. It's a strange mix that fails to capture the magic of the first film.

      

        

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