As a lifelong fan of the Joker, I can’t help but be intrigued by Todd Phillips’ bold decision to open Joker: Folie à Deux with an animated sequence. Having grown up watching Warner Bros.’ classic Looney Tunes, I find it ironic that a studio that seems to have lost touch with the very property they own is being paid homage in this film.
In contrast to the grandiose opening of the original film or the catchy song-and-dance sequences hinted in trailers, Todd Phillips’ upcoming movie titled “Joker: Folie à Deux” commences with an animated depiction of the Joker. This unexpected start sets the stage for a thrilling journey to unfold. The first film, released in 2019 and titled simply “Joker“, garnered immense success at the box office, accumulating 11 Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actor award for Joaquin Phoenix. Given the critical acclaim that the initial film received for its departure from typical comic book adaptations, it appears that the sequel aims to surprise audiences once more with an unconventional opening sequence that deviates from audience expectations.
As a passionate cinephile, I recently had a chat with Todd Phillips about the highly anticipated sequel to DC’s Joker, titled “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Unlike its predecessor, this movie begins with an extraordinary animated sequence skillfully crafted by Sylvain Chomet, a renowned French comic artist and director of the critically acclaimed 2003 animated feature “The Triplets of Belleville.” This opening scene appears crucial in establishing the film’s tone, featuring a captivating montage of prison upheavals, courtroom dramas, and musical numbers. Phillips shared his insights about this unique introduction and the overall feel of the movie, stating:
In my perspective, the intention behind this film is to create an atmosphere that seems as if it were crafted by creative minds teetering on the edge of sanity. To put it metaphorically, we’re inviting you to witness a world where the inmates, or shall I say, the most imaginative individuals, are at the helm.
Joker: Folie à Deux Isn’t the First DC Movie To Open With an Animated Scene
It might seem unique that “Joker: Folie à Deux” could begin with an animated sequence, but it’s not the first DC superhero film to start this way. For instance, “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)”, released in 2020, opens with an animated introduction detailing the character’s backstory before the main storyline begins. This animation was created by Hayk Manukyan, who has also worked on other DC animated projects like “Teen Titans Go!” and the movie “Teen Titans Go! To the Movies”. Last year, even Marvel, a competitor of DC, incorporated an animated scene early in “The Marvels”, which was reminiscent of Kamala Khan’s sketches, depicting her and Captain Marvel collaborating.
By creating a Looney Tunes-style intro for “Joker: Folie à Deux”, Todd Phillips demonstrates a deeper admiration for the Looney Tunes brand compared to Warner Bros. Discovery, who own both DC Comics and Looney Tunes. Contrastingly, Warner Bros. canceled the completed “Coyote vs. Acme” movie for tax purposes and declined offers to sell it. They also sold the distribution rights of the first fully 2D-animated Looney Tunes feature film, “The Day the Earth Blew Up”, to Ketchup Entertainment. It’s perplexing that Warner Bros. Discovery plans to honor the Looney Tunes in a movie while showing apparent embarrassment towards the property. However, it’s important to note that Phillips is not a representative of Warner Bros. Discovery; he simply appears to hold the Looney Tunes legacy in higher regard than those running the studio.
Joker: Folie à Deux
opens in theaters on October 4, 2024.
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2024-08-20 22:01