Joker 2 Receives Praise from Renowned Movie Director Fans Adore

Insights and Opinions on Joker: Folie à Deux

Quentin Tarantino commended the film, especially Joaquin Phoenix’s standout performance.
Joker: Folie à Deux is perceived as a critique of superhero films, creating divide among viewers.
Paul Schrader’s negative review contrasts sharply with Tarantino’s endorsement, yet both provide insight into the film’s themes.

Joker: Folie à Deux has sparked considerable debate, particularly among filmmakers, with notable praise from Quentin Tarantino contrasting sharply against the film’s generally negative reception. While audiences hold mixed feelings, Tarantino’s comments shed light on the film’s artistic intentions, particularly highlighting Joaquin Phoenix’s remarkable portrayal of the Joker.

Upon its release, Joker 2 encountered a wave of adverse reviews and underperformed at the box office. Industry insiders have suggested that the film could result in substantial financial losses for Warner Bros. This was unexpected given the phenomenal success of the original Joker, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide on a modest budget. While the initial film garnered significantly more love from audiences than critics, the sequel seems to have polarized viewers, earning a notable backlash.

Interestingly, Quentin Tarantino finds himself amongst a minority who genuinely appreciate Joker 2. During his guest appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, he reflected on his initial skepticism. Tarantino expected a film that would be an intellectual exercise rather than an engaging cinematic experience. However, he was pleasantly surprised, becoming engrossed in the narrative and musical sequences, ultimately finding the music to be unexpectedly captivating.

“I didn’t find it an intellectual exercise. I really got caught up into it. I really liked the musical sequences. The more banal the songs were, the better they were.”

Tarantino described Joker 2 as “hilariously funny”and lauded Phoenix’s performance as “one of the best I’ve ever seen.”Observers interpret the film as director Todd Phillips’ commentary on the comic book genre and its fandom, a sentiment that resonated with Tarantino. He elaborated on how the film mirrors the chaotic nature of its titular character, suggesting that Phillips embodies the Joker’s rebellious spirit:

“The Joker directed the movie… Todd Phillips is the Joker. It’s a true expression of what the character represents.”

Given Tarantino’s previous criticisms of Marvel films which he claims lack directorial creativity, his endorsement of Joker 2 is particularly significant. He controversially stated that he wasn’t particularly fond of the original Joker film, which he deemed lacking in depth until a turning point scene. Thus, his appreciation of Joker: Folie à Deux stands out amid the ongoing discourse around the sequel.

On the contrary, the film has not evaded the scrutiny of other filmmakers. Director Paul Schrader did not hold back his disapproval, calling the film a failure as a musical and critiquing the performances of both Phoenix and Lady Gaga. While Tarantino’s positive remarks may not shift the prevailing views, they do highlight an intriguing divergence in critical reception, pushing some audiences to consider the underlying themes in Phillips’ work.

Joker: Folie à Deux is currently accessible on various digital platforms, offering audiences the chance to engage with the film and form their own opinions.

Source: The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast

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