As a die-hard fan who has seen my fair share of comic book adaptations, I must say that Todd Phillips’ approach to “Joker: Folie à Deux” is both intriguing and refreshing. The idea of a musical drama rather than a traditional musical is a bold move, and it seems like the intimate communication between Arthur and Harley through song will make for a unique and compelling narrative.
Initially, I believed that “Joker: Folie à Deux” was a musical production; however, upon further understanding, it appears to be more of a drama with music elements, as stated by Director Todd Phillips. This year, audiences are eagerly anticipating the sequel to “Joker,” with Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role and Lady Gaga joining as Harley Quinn. Contrary to initial marketing, the film is not strictly a musical, according to its director.
I recently chatted with Variety about the upcoming sequel to my award-winning comic book film. Contrary to popular assumptions, “musical” in this context doesn’t mean elaborate dance numbers involving every extra. In “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the musical sequences are more about the intimate interactions between Arthur (Phoenix) and Harley (Lady Gaga). So, don’t anticipate a dance-off at Arkham Asylum. The director himself clarified that these numbers are rooted in the unique dialogue between our characters.
“The majority of the music in this film is actually dialogue sung by the characters. Essentially, Arthur expresses his thoughts and feelings through song when he can’t find the right words to speak. I want to clarify that it’s not like ‘In the Heights’, where a character breaks into song in a store, then leads everyone outside onto the street for a musical number with police dancing along. I adore ‘In the Heights’, but this film is different.”
According to Lady Gaga, while the film “Joker: Folie à Deux” incorporates music, it’s not a traditional musical in the sense that she or Phoenix don’t perform as professional singers throughout the movie. Instead, the singing in the film is meant to be authentic and seamlessly integrated into the narrative, much like Arthur Fleck’s character’s actions. Lady Gaga clarified this point herself.
In the midst of their chat, why might Arthur and Lee suddenly burst into song? From where does this unheard melody originate for only the characters to experience? Neither Arthur nor Lee have formal training as musicians, and their singing abilities should seem ordinary.
Joker: Folie à Deux Features a “Grounded” Harley Quinn
Just like the Joker is often linked to Batman (who hasn’t been featured in Todd Phillips’ Joker universe), Harley Quinn shares a close bond with the Joker. Originating as an original character in Batman: The Animated Series (portrayed by Arleen Sorkin), Harley and the Joker have had a tumultuous and debated relationship for the past 30 years. Their popularity soared among audiences when Margot Robbie portrayed her, first in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, then reappearing in Birds of Prey, and again in James Gunn’s revamp, The Suicide Squad. Robbie’s rendition was more contemporary and stylish, yet she maintained some iconic characteristics of the character.
Just as Todd Phillips reimagined the Joker in the first film, turning him into the complex Arthur Fleck who balances disturbance with empathy, Todd Phillips is giving similar treatment to Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn in “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The director decided to include her character because he saw a female version of himself in her role, serving as a dance partner in a metaphorical psychotic waltz. As the director explains, Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is morally grey, twisted, and manipulative like her comic book counterpart, but she lacks some of the more eccentric traits that are typical of the character.
“We chose to remove the exaggerated characteristics often found in comic book versions, such as high-pitched voice, distinctive accent, and casual behaviors like gum chewing, to make her character more fitting for the realistic setting of our Gotham City established since the first film.”
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2024-08-22 19:31