As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I have seen more than my fair share of films that left audiences scratching their heads and questioning the director’s intentions. The latest addition to this peculiar club is Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux.
When a movie fails to meet fan expectations, they often question what went awry. From Star Wars and Marvel to everything in between, fan theories can quickly spread on social media following the release of a project. This has certainly been the case with Joker: Folie à Deux, which has faced intense criticism and negative word of mouth since its debut last weekend. Although reviews for the original film were divided, many felt that director Todd Phillips had sincere intentions behind his message. However, with the sequel, viewers are trying to decipher the movie’s purpose, with some thinking it aims to criticize toxic fandom. As fans continue discussing what went wrong with Joker 2, Phillips is clarifying his motivations for the film.
In a conversation with IGN, Phillips clarified that the movie wasn’t about fostering a toxic fan narrative. Instead, he aimed to delve into Arthur Fleck’s (Joaquin Phoenix) perception of reality and deepen our understanding of his psychological state. Simultaneously, the film intended to demonstrate the distinct identities of Arthur and the Joker persona he assumed.
The focus wasn’t primarily on combating toxic fan behavior, but rather on contemplating a situation where something is thrust upon you, as we discussed just moments ago. It also delves into what could transpire in extreme circumstances, if you believe you’ve found love, only to discover that the person adores the character you portray, not the genuine you.
Criticisms towards “Joker: Folie à Deux” have come from various angles. Fans of the 2019 original express dissatisfaction as they believe that the sequel undoes almost everything established in the initial film, particularly concerning Arthur’s character development at the end of the first movie. It seems that the new film shows Arthur embracing his Joker persona because it enabled him to perform actions he couldn’t before and, in doing so, sparked a movement where he was finally recognized. However, this progression appears to be discarded in the sequel, leaving the audience with a much less confident and self-deprecating Arthur, quite different from the character he had become by the end of the first movie.
Todd Phillips Believes Arthur Was Never the “Real” Joker
Instead of being the true Joker, Phillips has openly stated since the sequel’s release that Arthur merely took on this role. The director explained, “When the guards kill that child in the hospital, he realizes that wearing makeup and assuming this persona doesn’t bring change. In a way, he acknowledges that he’s always been Arthur Fleck, not the character forced upon him by Gotham’s people. He’s an accidental icon, a role he never wanted. This label was imposed on him, and he no longer wishes to live as a pretender; he wants to be himself.
Critics have suggested various issues with the sequel, such as turning it into a musical, finding the ending unsatisfying as it seems to render both movies meaningless, and feeling that Lady Gaga wasn’t fully utilized in her role as Harley Quinn. Ultimately, many viewers are left questioning the real purpose behind “Folie à Deux,” especially given its underwhelming box office performance during its opening weekend. This confusion is likely to persist until a clearer picture emerges.
Regardless of Phillips’ original intentions, some viewers appear to perceive the sequel as a direct criticism, even suggesting he deliberately undermined the sequel because deep down, he wasn’t keen on creating it. It’s worth noting that during the promotional tour for the initial film, Phillips often stated that the story was self-contained and a sequel was unlikely. However, with a billion dollars at stake, the sequel’s release seems to have transformed disillusioned fans into a toxic fandom, which Phillips might be subtly addressing in his comments or observations.
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2024-10-10 18:01