Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn Deserves More: A Critique of ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’

I recently watched Joker: Folie a Deux, and it ranks among the worst films I have ever experienced. It faltered on many fronts, but what particularly troubled me was the depiction of Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn character.

To start, this sequel should have never happened. The original Joker premiered in 2019, helmed by director Todd Phillips. Mixed reactions characterized the anticipation for that film, with viewers unsure whether they would witness a dark, realistic interpretation of the notorious villain or something entirely different.

Upon its release on October 4, 2019, the film turned out to be a curious blend of realism and absurdity, and it surprisingly grossed over $1 billion. Fast forward to 2024, and we have a sequel—a musical starring Lady Gaga? This premise had its potential, yet it seems designed purely to replicate the financial success of its predecessor.

Warning: Spoilers for Joker: Folie a Deux

Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix in 'Joker: Folie a Deux' — (Warner Bros.)

Regrettably, the film missed the mark. According to Variety, it turns out Phillips himself was reluctant to create this sequel, which could explain a lot. The story picks up after the events of the original Joker, with our protagonist imprisoned in Arkham and facing the ‘trial of the century’ for his crimes. During his time in prison, he meets Harley Quinn, leading to a rapid and tumultuous romance as they confront their legal challenges.

The portrayal of Quinn is problematic; she feels like a mere object of desire for the Joker rather than a fully realized character. Her sole defining trait throughout the movie is her obsession with Arthur Fleck, depicted almost as a sociopathic figure devoid of redeeming qualities. In a particularly harsh moment, after Arthur renounces his Joker identity, she coldly discards him, abandoning him to face his fate alone.

Harley Quinn deserves a better fate. For years, media has reduced her to a stereotype of the abused victim, fueling anti-feminist fantasies. As previously noted, the HBO animated series Harley Quinn offers a much richer representation, giving her narrative independence and showcasing her as a queer woman with a relationship with Poison Ivy. Moreover, 2020’s Birds of Prey successfully tackled similar themes.

When Harley finally assumes her iconic role in Joker 2, donning her jester costume, her moment is fleeting and solely tied to Arthur’s struggles. Instead of being depicted as a strong lead in her own right, she exists merely to support him, which is frankly disappointing. This misrepresentation not only wastes a beloved character but also underutilizes pop icon Lady Gaga. It’s disheartening to learn that Gaga was reportedly paid less than her male co-stars during the production. My plea is simple: Hollywood needs to grant this cherished comic book character the dignity and respect she deserves, embracing less fetishization and more empowerment for women in superhero narratives.

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