“Joker: Folie à Deux” is the much-awaited sequel to Todd Phillip’s 2019 film “Joker.” Although highly anticipated, this film has stirred up a lot of mixed feelings among viewers. While the first movie was loved for its powerful performances and deep dive into mental health, the sequel’s shift to a musical has left some viewers disappointed.
“Folie à Deux” continues the story of Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, and his life in prison as the Joker. During his time in prison, Fleck finds himself in love with Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga. Although a great story, the musical format caught many viewers off guard.
“It doesn’t really fit into the movie,” FHS freshman Samantha Avanzado said. “Joker is more like an action movie.”
The movie, visually, is extremely impressive. Phillips is known for doing an amazing job at creating a dark, haunting world, and this movie is no exception. During the movie, there are some intense and dramatic moments. Adding a musical aspect to these dramatic moments, however, de-intensifies the situation. The sudden change from drama to song can leave viewers confused and disconnected.
Phoenix does an incredible job at embodying the mad and insane nature of Joker. Lady Gaga also does an amazing job of playing the role of Harley Quinn, with her acting and vocal talent. They are both very talented and bring new style and energy to a movie like this, but the musical itself can sometimes overshadow their acting skills and their character.
One of the many challenges this film faces is the redemption compared to the first movie. Viewers looked forward to a serious and well-executed sequel, but this musical twist fell short of expectations. The humorous and light feeling of a musical is disconnected from the Joker’s dark and mysterious character. The contradiction between the visual and auditory elements of the movie leaves some viewers feeling confused and conflicted about their emotions. A musical for this type of movie is a bold choice that not everyone agrees with or appreciates.
“A lot of people don’t like musicals and it’s just not their style, […] so of course it’s not for everyone,” FHS freshman Jazmyn Millare said. “They should’ve just stuck with the original actors and a better plot of the movie, make it more action-based rather than singing.”
In conclusion, “Joker: Folie à Deux” takes a big risk by moving into a musical area. With this musical aspect, the film has a unique feel to it. However, this choice also divides fans. Fans who loved the previous Joker movies or comics find themselves unsure about the direction it took. Whether you enjoy it or not, “Folie à Deux” challenges the status quo of action and comic book movies, creating an original idea and making a strong impression.
