Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux takes an innovative approach to explore Arthur Fleck’s transformation into the Joker, setting the narrative on a dramatically different path from the previous DC film. The original ended with a shocking twist as Arthur, played by Joaquin Phoenix, murdered Murray Franklin live on television, inciting chaos throughout Gotham City, which ultimately led to the deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne. While the first film did not set the stage for a sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, a high-budget musical sequel, provides further insight into Arthur’s past as the Joker, as well as an origin story for Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn and her complex relationship with him.
While the first film hinted at a unique yet cohesive DC universe featuring a young Batman juxtaposed with an aging Joker, Folie à Deux dismisses the possibility of a classic “Batman vs. Joker”showdown. Arthur’s final performance as the Joker during his trial leads to a turning point as he ultimately rejects his alter ego following Lee Quinn’s departure and the brutal death of his fellow inmate, Ricky. The absence of post-credits scenes contributes to a somber conclusion, suggesting that a sequel may not be feasible.
The Emergence of a New Joker
Creation of a More Violent Joker
During his trial, Arthur Fleck taps into his Joker persona, seeking refuge in this identity to assert innocence “by reason of insanity.”Embracing the Joker image empowers Arthur to mock the legal system and rally his followers; however, the weight of guilt becomes increasingly oppressive. He seemingly ends his connection to the Joker by dropping the act and confessing his wrongdoings in court, triggering a countdown to his demise.
In a tragic echo of his initial victim, Arthur meets his end at the hands of a young inmate, a stranger who idolizes him yet perceives betrayal in Arthur’s televised confession.
As Arthur awaits his fate in Arkham State Prison, he appears to find peace, watching cartoons among the guards and fellow inmates. However, this tranquility is shattered when a fellow inmate, after sharing a dark joke, brutally stabs Arthur, sealing his fate.
The Dark Joke of the Young Inmate
“You Get What You Deserve!”
The Young Inmate, played by Connor Storrie, delivers a cruelly ironic joke that mirrors Arthur’s earlier words before he killed Murray Franklin. When provoked by Arthur’s impatience for a visitor—whom he hopes is Harley Quinn—the Young Inmate recites a tale about a clown and a psychopath. The psychopath’s chilling remark, “I’ll get you what you f*cking deserve,” precedes his attack on Arthur.
In a cruel twist, Arthur falls victim to a fate similar to that of Murray Franklin—betrayed and killed by someone captivated by his image on the screen. In a tragic irony, Arthur becomes both the first and last victim of the new Joker.
The Joker’s enigmatic persona has always evoked intrigue in the universe of DC Comics. While the original film provided a concrete backstory, Joker: Folie à Deux obliterates that narrative, giving rise to a new Joker with distinct motivations and methods. This new version even sports a Glasgow Smile reminiscent of Heath Ledger’s interpretation, but remains a character separate from the existing timeline of the Dark Knight trilogy.
Harley Quinn & The Joker’s Followers Abandon Arthur
The Misunderstanding of Arthur Fleck
Lee Quinn’s realization that her affection lies with the Joker rather than Arthur Fleck leads to her abrupt abandonment of him following his confession in court. While Arthur attempts to reconnect after confessing, even going as far as singing to her over the phone and rejecting offers of help from his supporters, Lee recognizes that his fate is sealed and chooses to leave alone.
The courthouse explosion could initially seem like an act to free Arthur from the impending consequences. However, its timing coincides with Arthur’s heartfelt confession, illustrating that the Joker’s followers prioritize their own violent impulses over Arthur’s well-being. Their desire for chaos ultimately overshadows any genuine care for his life, as they view him merely as a vessel for their own nihilistic aims.
Arthur Fleck’s long struggle for recognition ironically leads him to carve out a name for others, as his legacy takes on a life of its own. The inmate who kills him epitomizes the aimlessness of the Joker and his followers; the brutal act is seen as a way to inherit the chaotic legacy Arthur once embodied.
Joker: Folie à Deux Reviews Misinterpretations of the Joker
A Commentary on Violence Sensationalization
Arthur Fleck’s actions are not portrayed as justified, reflecting the film’s critical stance towards audience interpretations. Rather than glorifying his violent tendencies, Folie à Deux dismantles the very notion of Arthur’s Joker identity. The narrative underscores that ultimately, he cannot escape the repercussions of his actions, culminating tragically in his death.
The film opens with an animated musical sequence portraying Arthur’s struggle against his own darker impulses, represented as a shadow. His inability to overcome this internal conflict leads to further suffering, while the repercussions of his duality culminate in tragic loss as he is betrayed once again by those fascinated by the Joker persona.
Viewers who idolized Arthur’s character in the first installment may find disappointment in the grappling nature of Folie à Deux. Arthur is revealed to be distinct from the cold-hearted villain his Joker persona projected—a reality that becomes evident as Lee ultimately perceives him as separate from the chaos she loves. The film’s resolution underscores the inevitability of Arthur’s tragic fate, as the Joker’s followers swiftly discard him in favor of a fresh face to continue the carnage.
Reflections from Director Todd Phillips on the Film’s Conclusion
The True Identity of Arthur Fleck
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Director Todd Phillips explains the film’s dramatic conclusion, emphasizing Arthur’s motivations during his trial and society’s perceptions of the Joker archetype. As the trial draws to a close, Arthur’s decision to confess stems from a realization of the systemic corruption that surrounds him. According to Phillips, Arthur believes that “the only way to fix it is to burn it all down.”
The narrative highlights how Arthur’s descent into chaos tragically elevates him to a hero status among Joker enthusiasts—yet, deep down, he recognizes the facade he has been tethered to. He wishes to reclaim his identity as Arthur, not merely as the Joker imposed upon him.
Phillips articulates a somber truth about Arthur’s existence: “Nobody cares about Arthur.” This lack of regard highlights the painful disconnect between Arthur Fleck and the identity of the Joker that has consumed him. Ultimately, Phillips presents Arthur’s journey as a tragic commentary; his relationship with Lee reveals that her love was never for Arthur himself but for the chaotic embodiment he projected.
Reception of Joker: Folie à Deux’s Ending
Mixed Reactions from Fans
The conclusion of Joker: Folie à Deux sparked mixed reviews and considerable disappointment among fans. Many felt that Arthur’s tragic fate served as a direct retort to the idolization he received from the first film. The unexpected twist in the film’s final moments generated considerable discussion and debate within the fan community.
Critically, the film struggled to meet the lofty expectations set by its predecessor. Finishing with a total of approximately $205 million globally, the sequel significantly lagged behind the $1.06 billion earned by the first film. Additionally, it failed to earn favorable reviews, scoring a mere 32% on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers lamenting Arthur’s unfortunate conclusion after the character’s substantial build-up.
The Unlikelihood of a Joker 3
Future Installments Appear Uncertain
One of the most compelling elements of the Joker series is Joaquin Phoenix’s expert portrayal of Arthur Fleck, infusing the character with profound depth. However, following Arthur’s death in Folie à Deux, the narrative core for a potential third film dissipates, suggesting that the story has concluded with Arthur’s tragic end.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
Source: Screen Rant
Related Articles:
DP Phedon Papamichael Discusses Timothée Chalamet’s Transformation into Bob Dylan
18:57
Captain America: Brave New World Trailer Unveils New Scenes Featuring Hulk Villain’s Return to the MCU After 16 Years
18:53
Understanding the Dream Aspects of Beetlejuice 2’s Ending
18:47
Leave a Reply