As a film enthusiast who has been following the evolution of comic book adaptations since the days of Christopher Reeve’s Superman, I must say that the upcoming “Joker 2” seems to be carving out an exciting and fresh path for itself. The intriguing plot twists hinted at, coupled with the unique musical influences and darker portrayal of Harley Quinn, promise a departure from the familiar origin stories that have dominated the genre for far too long.
As a fan, I used to think an R-rated comic book movie raking in big bucks was just a pipe dream. But “Deadpool” changed that notion, with its clever meta humor setting the stage. However, there was still doubt about whether viewers would connect with an origin story for Batman’s arch-nemesis, the Joker, in a serious film tackling themes like economic instability and mental illness. Well, 2019’s “Joker” proved me wrong! Not only did it earn a staggering $1 billion worldwide, but it also scooped up several Academy Awards, with Joaquin Phoenix taking home the best actor award for his chilling portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime.
Instead of just releasing “Joker” as a standalone story, Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips have decided to create a sequel named “Joker: Mad Love,” which reflects the idea that more than one person can be involved in a shared delusion. This title is fitting because in this second installment, Lady Gaga’s character Harley Quinn will be joining forces with her beloved Arthur Fleck (a.k.a Joker).
1. The initial film established an impressively high benchmark, garnering both critical praise and significant financial success. With five years passing since the original release, and following a pandemic and social upheaval, is the global audience prepared for another “Joker” installation? Fortunately, there are numerous factors pointing towards “Joker: Madness Shares One” being an overwhelming box office hit.
Joaquin Phoenix is following up an Oscar-winning performance
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but admire Joaquin Phoenix. He’s unlike any other actor out there today, choosing his roles carefully, much like a player strategizing their moves in a game. He’s only appeared in a select few titles over the past few years, such as “Napoleon” and “Beau is Afraid,” but each appearance leaves an indelible mark.
As a gamer, I can imagine saying: “If Phoenix delivers another outstanding performance in the sequel, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he earned another Oscar nod. You know, Sylvester Stallone was nominated twice for his role as Rocky Balboa – first for Best Actor in 1976’s ‘Rocky’ and then for Best Supporting Actor in 2015’s ‘Creed.’ Al Pacino also made the cut, receiving nominations for his portrayal of Michael Corleone in both ‘The Godfather’ and ‘The Godfather Part II.’ If Phoenix gets another nomination, even if he doesn’t take home the trophy again, it would definitely put him in some prestigious company.”
Independent of the outcome during award seasons, viewers should savor another exceptional performance by Joaquin Phoenix, as his actions have recently stirred controversy. He withdrew from Todd Haynes’ upcoming project mere days before filming was set to commence, leaving unclear the long-term impact on his career. This incident may cause future directors to hesitate when considering him for roles, but if “Joker: Folie à Deux” turns out to be a success (as expected), he could continue to be sought after.
Lady Gaga will bring a unique spin to Harley Quinn
A successful sequel to any comic book film must raise the stakes, even if it’s a more serious production. Introducing Harley Quinn into the continuation of “Joker” appears to be a logical choice, given that Lady Gaga has shown versatility in acting alongside her renowned singing career. She garnered an Academy Award for best original song with “A Star is Born,” and was even nominated for best actress for the same film, though she didn’t win. Casting her as Harley Quinn could add a unique and captivating dimension to the storyline.
There have been numerous versions of Harley Quinn over the years ever since she was first brought to life on “Batman: The Animated Series.” In terms of live-action, most people probably correlate the character with Margot Robbie, who brought a comedic and frenetic energy to the role in movies like “The Suicide Squad” and “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).” From what we’ve seen in the trailers, Lady Gaga’s interpretation should be a far cry from Robbie’s, which makes the movie as a whole all the more enticing.
Todd Phillips discussed how Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn character might surprise people due to its darker nature than expected, as it takes cues from Charles Manson and his followers. What makes these characters intriguing is their versatility, allowing for various interpretations. Given her talent, Lady Gaga should be able to hold her own against Joaquin Phoenix in depicting more sinister versions of these villains.
It’s a musical!
In one scenario, introducing fresh characters is common for sequels. However, switching genres entirely is a whole different ball game. The original “Joker” primarily followed a dramatic narrative, but the whispers you’ve heard about “Joker: Folie à Deux” are accurate – this sequel will be a musical! Given this change in direction, Lady Gaga’s casting becomes even more logical. To break it down further, “Joker 2” is expected to be a jukebox musical, with approximately 15 well-known songs already planned for the film (with potential additions of original compositions as well).
It’s reasonable for some people to be wary of “Joker: Folie à Deux” given its ambitious approach. But it’s worth remembering that the original “Joker” was also a significant risk, as it placed a familiar villain with numerous interpretations into the world of “Taxi Driver.” This unique take on the source material challenged the norm of typical superhero movies. In the same vein, “Joker 2” is pushing boundaries by combining the gritty sensibilities of “Taxi Driver” with full-fledged musical sequences, reviving a style of Hollywood often disregarded by many.
Musicals are experiencing a resurgence, as evidenced by the success of “Wonka” and the upcoming release of “Wicked” in 2023. The upcoming film “Joker: Folie à Deux” might entice people who typically avoid musicals to give them a try. This could lead to an increased interest in discovering other musical productions, which would be a wonderful result for everyone involved.
Joker: Folie à Deux could expand into a new Batman mythos
2019’s “Joker” took a unique approach to the traditional comic book movie genre, but it didn’t skimp on Easter eggs for dedicated DC fans to spot. From nods to “Batman: The Animated Series” and “The Killing Joke,” to a young Bruce Wayne (Dante Pereira-Olson) encountering Arthur Fleck, the film was rich with references that any fan would appreciate. As I eagerly await “Joker: Folie à Deux,” I can’t help but imagine it will be brimming with even more of these delightful nods and potentially delve deeper into the captivating world of Gotham City.
In the latest “Joker 2” trailer, a hidden surprise was subtly revealed: The voice you hear, but don’t see, belongs to Harvey Dent, a character previously known for his role as Gotham’s District Attorney. Given his career trajectory and Arthur Fleck’s upcoming trial in the film, it’s plausible that Dent could transform into the villainous Two-Face. However, whether or not this happens is yet to be determined. This sneaky inclusion of other Batman characters suggests an expansive narrative for the sequel.
In a potential development, James Gordon might seamlessly join the narrative as disenchanted Gotham citizens persistently confront the Gotham Police Department. Additionally, the malevolent Arkham psychiatrist, Hugo Strange, could potentially factor in, resulting in Arthur and Harleen’s temporary incarceration. This is more of a dream scenario, but it could offer a fresh perspective on these familiar characters.
It’s the only live-action DC movie for 2024
2023 saw several high-profile box office failures, and it’s troubling to notice that DC productions appear frequently on this list. In 2022, DC Studios released four superhero films: “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” “The Flash,” “Blue Beetle,” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Regrettably, all four films struggled financially or even bombed, leaving the future of DC’s cinematic universe looking uncertain.
There could be several explanations behind these films not resonating with viewers, such as fatigue from too many superhero movies or the news that James Gunn and Peter Safran were planning a complete overhaul of the DC film universe, which might have left audiences feeling that these particular movies weren’t significant in the grand scheme. Regardless of the cause, it seems like DC needed a break. The only live-action DC movie scheduled for release in 2024 is “Joker: Folie à Deux,” followed by James Gunn’s “Superman” debuting in 2025, marking the start of new initiatives from DC Studios.
Opting to release just one movie this year, especially if it’s a sequel to a blockbuster hit like “Joker 2”, could be a strategic choice for DC Films. It gives the film an event-like quality instead of feeling like routine work. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is adopting a similar approach with “Deadpool and Wolverine” being their only release this year, and it’s already making waves at the box office. Releasing “Joker 2” could serve as a breather and hopefully spark anticipation for future DC movies.
Hildur Guðnadóttir is back as composer
2019’s “Joker” standout feature was Hildur Guðnadóttir’s chilling score, which earned her an Academy Award. She’s coming back for the sequel, and it’s thrilling that director Todd Phillips has brought together many of the original team. What makes it even more enticing is that “Joker: Folie à Deux” is a musical, which could offer Guðnadóttir even more opportunities to showcase her talent.
The music for “Joker” was an integral component of the film, often guiding what happened in each respective scene. As Guðnadóttir told The Hollywood Reporter in 2023, “I wrote most of that music beforehand. So they shot the film to the score, and the music would lead a lot of the scenes that we see in the film. The bathroom dance scene, for example, is really Joaquin [Phoenix] following the music.” One could surmise a similar process would follow for “Joker 2,” especially with the music — this time in the form of 15 songs as well as a conventional score — being far more front and center.
The songs for the sequel aren’t expected to be ordinary karaoke renditions. Instead, they will reportedly incorporate the distinctively eerie musical motifs of composer Hildur Guðnadóttir. This seems like an intriguing task, but one that Guðnadóttir is well-suited for.
Joker: Folie à Deux can keep exploring sociopolitical themes
In 2019, when “Joker” was released, there were legitimate concerns that it might provoke real-world acts of violence. These worries didn’t prove to be true, but they weren’t baseless either. The film centers around Arthur Fleck, a character with mental illness who finds himself at the bottom of society and resorts to violence as a means to reclaim some sense of power. In much the same way that the Joker gains followers within the movie, there are undoubtedly many individuals in reality who feel neglected by society too.
It’s doubtful that “Joker: Folie à Deux” will provoke the same degree of worry about violence, however, its release timing is intriguing. Since 2019, many significant global shifts have occurred, such as ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacts, women losing reproductive rights, and the Israel-Gaza conflict escalations in the Middle East. This Joker sequel might resonate deeply with numerous people who share a feeling that society doesn’t value them enough.
The title suggests that the sequel, “Joker: Folie à Deux,” might expand on the psychological themes established in the first film, implying that the madness experienced by Arthur and Harleen could become a widespread phenomenon in Gotham City. This could lead to the city as a whole experiencing a collective psychosis, with more people adopting the belief that violence is necessary to improve their lives. These concepts have the potential to make “Joker: Folie à Deux” one of the most intellectually stimulating films of 2024.
Joker: Folie à Deux’s cinematography looks sublime
As a fervent admirer, I’m thrilled to learn that Lawrence Sher, the gifted cinematographer behind the lens of the original “Joker,” will be back for “Joker: Folie à Deux.” His exceptional work on the first film earned him an Academy Award nomination, although he was edged out by Roger Deakins for “1917.” With the sequel presenting another opportunity to claim the award, despite strong competition from Greig Fraser for “Dune: Part Two,” just his involvement in the sequel is enough to ignite anticipation among fans like me.
A multitude of fans on the platform X (previously referred to as Twitter), have lauded the movie thus far, based on trailers they’ve viewed. User @zhouxuns expressed, “Lawrence Sher’s cinematography for Joker 2 is already surpassing his remarkable work in Joker 1; I am simply thrilled to witness this in theaters.” This sentiment is shared by many, and Sher’s cinematography will undoubtedly leave a distinctive mark on the sequel.
In a conversation with YouTuber Matti Haapoja, Sher revealed that Francis Ford Coppola’s musical “One From the Heart” served as an inspiration for the visual aesthetic of the upcoming “Joker” sequel. Sher, along with production designer Mark Friedberg and Todd Phillips, found common images in “One From the Heart” to be a catalyst for discussions during their initial scouting phases. Given that “Joker: Folie à Deux” will incorporate musical elements, it’s fitting to draw inspiration from past musicals, even those that were underappreciated initially like “One From the Heart.” With both “Joker 2” and Coppola’s latest film “Megalopolis” set for release around the same time, there may be renewed interest in watching “One From the Heart.”
Joker 2 begins with a Looney Tunes-esque cartoon
Incorporating a musical theme into the sequel of “Joker,” titled “Joker: Folie à Deux,” is just one daring move director Todd Phillips has in store for his upcoming film. During a recent interview with Variety, Phillips delved into several aspects of the movie, and perhaps the most captivating disclosure was that the story will kick off with a short cartoon-like sequence reminiscent of Looney Tunes, featuring our titular antagonist.
As a gamer, I jumped at the opportunity to share that Philips assembled an impressive team of creators to bring the sequel’s vision to life, with the addition of French animator Sylvain Chomet, famously known for his work on “Les Triplettes de Belleville.” Shortly before movies used to be filled with animated shorts, but they’ve become a rarity nowadays. Pixar kept that tradition going for some time, but their latest production, “Inside Out 2,” skipped the introductory cartoons. But Philips had a solid reason for including an animated segment in his sequel: “The aim of this movie is to make it feel like it was crafted by a bunch of mad geniuses,” he shared.
In a fresh and unique approach, “Joker 2” deviates from the usual pattern of sequels by not just rehashing old material. This is unlike “The Hangover Part II,” another sequel directed by Phillips, which followed a similar path. Instead, it’s exploring new territory, potentially appealing to both admirers and critics of the original film.
What twists could be in store for Joker 2?
2019’s “Joker” leaves us pondering if events depicted are true or part of the protagonist’s delusion, but some key incidents like him murdering someone live on-air are factual. The upcoming sequel will unfold two years later, focusing on Arthur standing trial for his actions and possibly facing a death sentence.
In the ambiguous conclusion of “Joker”, there’s debate about whether Arthur continues to be delusional, particularly concerning his budding relationship with Harleen Quinzel. A fascinating detail from Variety might shed light on their interplay: “He leans towards romantic songs; she favors music about power.” It’s plausible that Arthur is so deeply lost in his delusions that he overlooks Harleen possibly manipulating him for some larger scheme, but this is merely conjecture at this point.
In the critical situation facing Arthur, the ending of “Joker 2” or “Joker: Folie à Deux” may present a conclusion where the Joker perishes, yet the influence he sparked persists and expands. Alternatively, it could be that spectators believe him to have died, but he survives in some form or another. Regardless of the outcome, the ending of this sequel will undoubtedly stir conversation among viewers.
R-rated comic book movies are saving the genre
For over ten years now, there’s been a sense of exhaustion towards superhero films being referred to as “superhero fatigue.” Critics and viewers alike have predicted the imminent bursting of the comic book movie bubble, but it wasn’t until 2023 that we began seeing signs of strain with several DC and Marvel movies underperforming. While superhero films aren’t disappearing anytime soon, they must adapt to stay relevant, and 2024 is demonstrating how this can be achieved.
For general viewers, repeatedly encountering familiar origin stories might lead to boredom. They crave something fresh, as demonstrated by the success of the R-rated “Deadpool and Wolverine” film. This production presented a unique take on the superhero multiverse while marking the end of the 20th Century Fox era in superhero cinema. The upcoming movie “Joker: Folie à Deux” could capture similar acclaim since it’s not just another Batman story, but a musical-influenced comic book adaptation featuring a darker Harley Quinn. Such an approach might encourage audiences to visit theaters instead of solely streaming the film.
While not every comic book film needs to be rated R, it’s essential that they find distinctive ways to stand out. The upcoming “Joker 2” is an excellent example of how exploring unconventional paths can yield rewarding results. Given the current entertainment climate’s craving for unique offerings, audiences might flock to this sequel simply because it promises something fresh and different.
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2024-08-22 14:31