Mixed Reactions for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’: A Struggling Musical Sequel

Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, and director Todd Phillips have kept audiences guessing about the nature of their latest film, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux,’ initially teasing whether it was a musical. Despite their hesitation, it is now confirmed that the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster is indeed a musical, though reactions to its execution have been mixed.

The original ‘Joker’ film, which grossed over $1 billion globally, marketed itself as an R-rated exploration of the iconic villain. However, ‘Folie à Deux’ receives criticism for being less groundbreaking. According to critics, the musical numbers fail to add significant depth to the plot or the characters, leaving much of the film feeling uninspired and lacking the flair needed for a successful musical adaptation.

Largely focusing on Arthur Fleck’s trial following his crimes in the first film, the sequel also highlights the shared delusions between Arthur and his new partner, Harley Quinn, portrayed by Lady Gaga. Musical renditions of classic songs, including works by Harold Arlen and Burt Bacharach, feature prominently but, according to some, lack the imaginative spark required to make them memorable.

Director Todd Phillips and editor Jeff Groth’s approach to these elaborate musical sequences has been described as mundane, with critics noting a lack of dynamism that leaves audiences longing for something more engaging. Despite this, Lady Gaga’s performance, particularly her unique version of “Close to You,” and Joaquin Phoenix’s spirited delivery of “The Joker,” have been praised by some as standout moments.

The film’s narrative attempts to delve deeper into Arthur’s psyche with the storyline evolving around his potential psychological defenses in court, casting doubt on whether the Joker persona is merely a by-product of his turmoil or a facade he uses to connect with others. Despite these efforts, the plot is criticized for its limited character development and for failing to build a coherent arc.

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ does include moments of intrigue, particularly in scenes involving Arthur’s interactions with Officer Sullivan and with Harvey Dent in the courtroom. However, the development often falls flat, as the characters remain caught in a repetitive dance without a tangible buildup to a climax.

Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn, including her glamorous appearances at the film’s premieres, has also maintained public interest. Her stylistic choices, such as wearing a custom Celine gown in Los Angeles, reflect a sophisticated angle on her character’s aesthetics.

Ultimately, while the movie straddles the line between musical and traditional comic book film, it struggles to enchant audiences with its narrative and musical offerings, drawing mixed reactions from both fans and critics.