Editor’s Note: This article includes spoilers for Joker: Folie à Deux .
Main Insights
- Todd Phillips significantly reimagined comic book characters in Joker 2, crafting a more grounded and realistic interpretation.
- The film presents a nuanced depiction of Harvey Dent’s evolution into Two-Face, creating a relatable antagonist.
- There is potential for a more authentic Two-Face within the DC Universe, which might be explored in future Batman films.
With Joker: Folie à Deux now released in theaters, audiences have begun to share their mixed opinions. The film showcases varied portrayals of its characters, suggesting that the writers and studio executives envisioned a broader narrative universe. However, the divided critical and box office response to what is essentially Joker’s sequel implies that the potential for an expanded universe may be overly optimistic.
Director Todd Phillips has mentioned the challenges he faced during the production of Joker: Folie à Deux—so significant that he expressed a desire to move on from the franchise entirely. The absence of test screenings might indicate his readiness to conclude this chapter. Yet, had there been a continuation of this universe, one character undoubtedly stands out, faithful to its comic origins.
Realistic Comic Adaptations
Phillips has introduced considerable modifications to the characters of Arthur Fleck’s Joker and Lee Quinzel’s Harley Quinn. Notably, Harley holds significant power in this narrative. She captivates Arthur, potentially deceiving him into believing she is pregnant, positioning herself as his sole ally. This exchange of authority adds depth and realism, deviating from the traditional portrayal of a psychologist who inexplicably descends into madness just by interacting with the Joker. This has long been Phillips’ ambition: to present his characters through a lens of authenticity.
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Joker: Madness for Two |
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Featuring |
Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Catherine Keener, Brendan Gleeson, Harry Lawtey, Steve Coogan, Leigh Gill, and Zazie Beetz |
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Todd Phillips and Scott Silver |
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Directed By |
Todd Phillips |
Many fans of Joker 2 speculated that while Harvey Dent was part of the narrative, the film lacked a well-executed mechanism for his transformation into Two-Face. It’s difficult to fathom how someone could become a villain simply from a traumatic injury, particularly in the context of a Batman adversary.
Despite this, Joker: Folie à Deux effectively illustrates how this transformation could logically occur. It presents a version of Harvey Dent that diverges from the typically noble portrayal associated with his prosecutorial role. Phillips’ approach results in a Harvey Dent who excels at his profession but is motivated by vanity and other darker impulses rather than an unwavering commitment to justice.
Spoiler alert ahead
The climactic courtroom sequence offers a depiction of Harvey that aligns more closely with the comic portrayal than any other character in the film. A lengthy exchange unfolds regarding whether the Joker represents two separate entities or just one malevolent soul. Arthur Fleck, as his own defense, claims responsibility for his actions, revealing that those actions have negatively influenced others in Gotham. During his impassioned speech, a bomb detonates outside the courthouse, injuring or killing several attendees, including Dent, who is left with severe facial injuries.
While this doesn’t depict a precise origin for Two-Face, it mirrors elements of Harvey’s narrative in the comics, where he is disfigured during a trial involving Sal Maroni. In Joker: Folie à Deux, viewers witness Harvey’s injury, but the details of his complete transformation are left ambiguous, effectively hinting at what’s to come.
Possibility for a Fresh Harvey Dent in the DCU?
While Phillips has stated he is finished with the DC Comics universe and there’s no indication that James Gunn intends to officially integrate Joker: Folie à Deux into the DCU, the introduction of a more grounded Two-Face could seamlessly align with the next Batman installment. The upcoming Batman 2 has already illustrated villains such as The Penguin and Riddler in a way that resonates with a more realistic world.
There exists a potential to further explore the character arc of Harvey Dent, who is least known among fans. A short flashback could detail Dent’s fate before transitioning directly into Batman 2. Although this scenario might seem unlikely, it would allow the DC Universe to retain elements from the story of Arthur Fleck.
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