Contents: The film tells how Arthur Fleck awaits trial in the Arkham mental institution for his crimes as the Joker. As he struggles with his dual identity, Arthur not only meets his true love, but also finds the music that has always been dormant inside him.
© Warner Bros. DE
Todd Phillips’ sequel to the hit 2019 film Joker brings again Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, but “Joker: Folie À Deux” can only partially maintain the magic of its predecessor.
The new film, which is heavily advertised as a mixture of psychological drama and musical experiment, offers interesting approaches, but fails to maintain the consistency and depth that made the first part so unique. “Joker: Folie À Deux” follows the story of Arthur Fleck, who rose to fame after the events of the first film. The decision to continue the story in the form of a musical is brave, but often seems half-baked.
Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn brings a fresh dynamic to the plot, with her chemistry with Phoenix occasionally flashing. However, many moments remain unfinished, which means that the potential of this dark romance is often not fully realized.
(LR.) Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in Joker: Folie à Deux © Warner Bros. Entertainment 2024
A new approach that polarizes
The music by the award-winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir is creative and unusual, but it doesn’t always come into its own. Instead of giving expression to the deep depths of Arthur’s psyche, it fluctuates between inappropriately shrill and trying to be melancholic, without finding a clear line.
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The mix of cello sounds and big band music in particular feels out of place, and the attempts at conveying a “crazy romance” often feel too overloaded to be truly touching. Despite its flaws, “Joker: Folie À Deux” has its strong moments.
Joaquin Phoenix once again brings his brilliant performance as Arthur Fleck to the screen, and the scenes in which his character balances on the edges of reality and madness in particular are among the best of the entire film.
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Highlights that disappear into mediocrity
One doesn’t shy away from showing Arthur’s desperation in all its brutality, and the depth psychological elements – for example his inner dialogues and the examination of the question “Who is the Joker??” – are well staged. But too often the storytelling jumps and loses focus, causing even these shining moments to fade in the bigger picture.
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Lady Gaga as Harley “Lee” Quinn brings a certain charm to her role, but the development of her character falls far short of expectations. While she is initially an interesting addition to Arthur’s character, as the running time progresses her character loses complexity and her influence on the plot sometimes feels too forced.
The biggest problem of “Folie à Deux“, however, lies in its tonality. The film oscillates between dark psychological drama, bizarre romance and a surreal musical, without finding a consistent direction. The first film was characterized by a merciless gravity and drama – something that is replaced in this sequel by exaggerated musical pathos and dazzling effects.
(L-R) Joaquin Phoenix und Lady Gaga in Joker: Folié a Deux © Warner Bros. Entertainment
A film that wants too much and yet offers too little
The supposedly profound scenes, such as Arthur’s interpretation of “For Once In My Life“are less effective and leave the viewer more confused than emotionally moved. The character development, especially that of Arthur Fleck, remains too superficial.
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While the first part offered a painful journey into the depths of a broken mind, this sequel plays it safe and relies on familiar patterns without offering new insights into Arthur’s torn psyche. Rather, you go around in circles, chewing through the story already known from JOKER in tough dialogues and then hurling it onto the screen in a court farce.
© Warner Bros. Entertainment
Conclusion: Fans of the first film might be disappointed because the sequel doesn’t continue the unique approach of “Joker” but rather waters it down in many parts. However, comic fans and viewers expecting a classic superhero approach may be disappointed by “Joker: Folie À Deux” – a film that is neither fish nor meat and, despite its ambitions, ultimately remains mediocrity. Nevertheless, there are some convincing moments – and the unusual musical implementation and the finale will certainly lead to discussions.
Movie rating 5/10
