As a gamer with a penchant for the offbeat and unconventional, I find myself drawn to the enigmatic world of John Waters like a moth to a flame. His latest cinematic rave review has sent shockwaves through the film community, and I can’t help but feel a strange sense of kinship with his unapologetic endorsement of Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux.
As a passionate gamer, when film trailblazer John Waters, the one they call the Pope of Trash, chimes in about a movie, I’m all ears, bracing myself for an offbeat opinion that’s anything but typical. Known for his fearless adoration of boundary-pushing films, this icon has carved out a unique niche in cinematic history. Recently, he weighed in on the upcoming 2024 release, Todd Phillips’ Joker sequel titled Joker: Folie à Deux. Spoiler alert: he’s a fan of DC’s blockbuster bomb and offers an opinion that’s as unconventional as his persona.
The director of the movie “Pink Flamingos,” known for his embrace of the unconventional, included the sequel to “The Joker” in his yearly list of the top 10 films on Vulture. Many critics have labeled it the worst film of the year (with Tim Dillon, one of its cast members, calling it the worst movie ever made). The film’s bold move to delve into musical elements and portray a complex love story between Joaquin Phoenix’s character and Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn seems to have left many viewers bewildered. However, this seems to have resonated with Waters, as he expressed his appreciation for the movie in his own words:
Lastly, a love tale that truly resonates with me. It’s insanely captivating, meticulously planned, expertly directed, and filled with intense emotional moments. It’s like a blend of “Jailhouse Rock” and Busby Berkeley’s grandeur, culminating in an “That’s Entertainment!”-style climax post 9/11 that will leave you in awe of its cinematic audacity. Critics may squabble, but Gaga shines brilliantly, and the Joker’s portrayal hits the mark perfectly. Down with mediocrity!
Let’s delve into this film bomb (metaphorically speaking). John Waters, a filmmaker renowned for his appreciation of the bizarre and the socially unacceptable, finds this movie “a love story I can connect with,” which is a high praise indeed. The reference to “Jailhouse Rock” and Busby Berkeley suggests that the movie might be on its way to cult classic status. The film’s combination of defiance and grandiose performance, a mix of grit and glamour that appears to perfectly embody the tumultuous bond between Joker and Harley, is quite intriguing.
However, the standout moment is his allusion to a “9/11 That’s Entertainment!” finale. Only the filmmaker of Cry-Baby could transform what might be an astonishingly shocking ending for Joker 2 into something that is both startling and poetic at once.
John Waters’ compliments for Lady Gaga playing Harley Quinn are spot-on. Gaga combines seriousness and dramatic style in a way that only a talent like hers can pull off. Although I didn’t find the Joker sequel to be my cup of tea overall, Gaga undoubtedly outshines everyone else as the film’s most captivating aspect. Her powerful stage presence leaves me excitedly waiting for what she’ll do in Season 2 of Wednesday.
It’s no shock that the director of Polyester is wholeheartedly backing a film that fearlessly dares and revels in its own madness, as his career is marked by challenging norms and applauding the bizarre. The spirit of Joker: Folie à Deux aligns closely with this director’s work on Hairspray, suggesting a symbolic transfer of creative influence to a film that fearlessly polarizes audiences while leaving an indelible stamp on cinema.
If you haven’t caught up with the talk (and debate) surrounding this movie so far, here’s your opportunity! The DC sequel can currently be rented and will soon be streaming for those who have Max subscription. Whether you end up liking it or not, one fact remains: John Waters thinks it’s a film worth watching.
Make sure you check out our list of forthcoming superhero films, which includes the newest comic book adaptations hitting theaters. Also, take a glance at our 2025 movie lineup to catch a sneak peek of what’s in store for the future!
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2024-12-07 19:37