Joker Sequel Is “The Most Daring Film in Recent American Cinema,” Says Venice Film Festival Chief

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As a hardcore gamer and movie buff with a soft spot for dark and daring films, I can’t help but feel my heart race at the prospect of Todd Phillips’ highly anticipated sequel to Joker, titled Folie à Deux. Having been deeply moved by Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck in the 2019 film, I eagerly awaited the trailer for the follow-up, and was not disappointed.

The newly unveiled trailer for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the upcoming sequel to Todd Phillips’ successful 2019 movie, has generated significant excitement among fans. The film will make its debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in late August. Alberto Barbera, the festival’s director, has fueled the anticipation by labeling Phillips’ follow-up as one of the “most daring American films in recent years.” Featuring Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Joker and Lady Gaga portraying Harley Quinn, “Joker: Folie à Deux” is slated for a US release on October 4, 2024.

In a recent conversation with Deadline, Barbara shared insights about this year’s festival and its exciting lineup, which includes the anticipated “Joker: Folie à Deux,” as well as the world premieres of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Daniel Craig’s historical romance “Queer,” A24’s “Babygirl,” and Tilda Swinton’s “The Room Next Door.” When inquired about the darkness level of “Joker: Folie à Deux” compared to the 2019 film, Barbara confirmed that it is indeed darker, but not in the way fans may assume.

I’ve seen my fair share of sequels that tried to replicate the success of their predecessors but failed to deliver something new and fresh. But “this film” was a pleasant surprise. It wasn’t just a continuation of the story, it was a completely different beast. If you’re expecting more of the same in terms of violence or other elements from the first film, I assure you, you’ll be taken aback.

The festival director took it a step further when discussing the movie’s classification as a musical. He confirmed, “Yes, it falls under that category.” But he quickly added a unique twist, describing it as a “musical with a dystopian theme.” After this revelation, he bestowed some of his most lavish compliments upon the production.

As a longtime film enthusiast and someone who has seen my fair share of musicals and dystopian films, I can confidently say that this production is unlike anything I have encountered in recent American cinema. The fusion of these two genres results in a truly unique and thought-provoking experience.

Are Fans Ready for Joker: Folie à Deux?

The initial teaser trailer for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” released in April, generated much excitement among fans, particularly with the intriguing final image of a lipstick mark on a glass. However, some were curious about how they would respond to the full trailer, given that it disclosed additional storyline and musical aspects. So far, the consensus has been overwhelmingly positive. The full trailer has successfully met and even exceeded fans’ expectations.

Social media users have quickly responded, with some, like @Danimalish, expressing uncertainty about the movie’s quality yet expressing admiration for its striking cinematography.

After that, there’s @DevDock, whose affection for the initial film is unbounded, and who eagerly anticipates the release of its successor.

Let’s make sure we don’t overlook Michael Chiavone; he, along with numerous others, expressed only positive comments regarding the latest trailer.

Lastly, Deborah Thawise observes that Joaquin Phoenix was born with a special talent for portraying the character of Arthur Fleck.

Without a doubt, the anticipation among fans is high for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” and although some critics may express reservations after viewing the trailer, their numbers are minimal. It’s clear that Todd Phillips has another box office success in store for us, but will it surpass the earnings of “Deadpool” and “Wolverine” as the top-grossing R-rated film of 2024? Only time, specifically October 4, will tell.

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2024-07-25 21:03