Joker: Folie a Deux – Movie Review
Director: Todd Phillips
Writer: Scott Silver, Todd Phillips (Screenplay)
Cast
- Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line)
- Lady Gaga (A Star is Born)
- Steve Coogan (24 Hour Party People)
- Catherine Keener (Get Out)
- Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2)
Plot: Arthur Fleck is institutionalized at Arkham, awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.
Runtime: 2 Hours 18 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Joker: Folie a Deux starts when Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) is facing criminal charges in the aftermath of his actions. He deals with abusive guards and the city is filled with unrest. Arthur meets Lee Quinzel (Gaga) and starts bringing out the positive side in him.
When his trial begins, his actions are explored, and he must deal with his bolder personality. However, the city is in chaos and his actions have started a revolution in Gotham.
Verdict on Joker: Folie a Deux
Joker: Folie a Deux is a drama following Arthur Fleck in the aftermath of his rampage. He is facing the death penalty but first must go through a trial, which leads to him down a path to meet Lee Quinzel as he plans his defence.
This movie takes us through the aftermath of the actions of the first movie. It continues to play into Arthur’s uncertain reality by adding showmanship to his connection to people. However, most of this doesn’t seem to connect in the way many Joker/Harley Quinn relationships have in the past. The highlight of the movie comes in the trial, it is easily the part of the movie you want to watch unfold. However, the film fails to grab the magic the character presents and once again feels like a tagged-on comic book character to a more serious subject matter.
Final Thoughts – Joker: Folie a Deux has a great courtroom sequence but struggles to engage elsewhere.
