Critics and Audiences Divided Over ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’

“Joker: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to Todd Phillips‘s acclaimed 2019 film “Joker,” has sparked mixed reactions from both critics and audiences. The film, which continues the story of Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, has faced criticism for its narrative and musical approach.

The movie stars Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur Fleck, and Lady Gaga portraying a new character, Lee Quinzel, inspired by the well-known character Harley Quinn from the Batman universe. “Folie à Deux,” a term referencing a shared psychosis, is presented as a musical, featuring numerous performances by Gaga.

Despite the star power and notable direction, responses have been largely critical. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a critics’ score of just 33%. Prominent publications like “The Guardian” have not been favorable, with reviewer Peter Bradshaw describing the film as “often flat-out tedious.” The audience score is similarly low at 31%, with social media buzzing with discussions about certain anticipated scenes involving Lady Gaga that seem to be absent from the final cut.

The film’s opening weekend box office numbers have also been underwhelming, earning $114.8 million globally. In comparison, the original “Joker” film, which was produced with a smaller budget, made $248.4 million in its debut weekend.

An intriguing aspect of the film involves the actors’ reactions to the piece. Reports suggest discontent regarding the narrative shifts and the juxtaposition of dark themes with upbeat musical numbers. While speculation is rife, both Phoenix and Phillips have recently defended the film’s controversial ending.

In an interview, Phoenix described a hopeful note in the film’s final moments, despite its violence. “There’s a warmth in that scene,” he remarked, referring to the sequence where Fleck is fatally attacked by another inmate. Phillips further explained, “I think Arthur has found peace with the idea that it’s okay to be yourself,” reflecting on the character’s struggles.

As the debate continues, “Joker: Folie à Deux” remains a divisive film, with memes and criticisms flooding online platforms. Whether its artistic choices hold deeper meaning or result in dissonance is a question audiences seem to be divided on.