As a seasoned gamer and movie enthusiast who’s had the misfortune of witnessing the rise and fall of many iconic characters, I must say that Todd Phillips‘ Joker: Folie à Deux left me feeling rather perplexed. The ending, in particular, was a puzzling twist that seemed to contradict the very essence of the original Joker’s character arc.
Spoilers for Joker: Folie à Deux lie ahead here, so read on at your own risk.
The newly debuted “Joker: Folie à Deux” has stirred debate among film critics and casual cinema-goers. Many seem to have issues with the director Todd Phillips’ creative decisions in this sequel, particularly the ending that left fans of the initial movie quite frustrated. Fortunately for those seeking clarification, Phillips has offered some insight. He clarified some questions surrounding a significant choice made by Arthur Fleck and how it sheds light on the true nature of the character.
What Happened At The End Of Joker 2?
A significant part of the controversial follow-up to the 2019 film “Joker” focuses on Joaquin Phoenix’s character, Arthur Fleck, standing trial for the murders he committed. His attorney, Maryanne Stewart (played by Katherine Keener), constructs a defense that posits Arthur has two separate identities. One is his own self, and the other is the Joker persona, whom Stewart claims was responsible for the killings of Murray Franklin and others. For some time, Fleck cooperates with his lawyer in presenting this case.
Eventually, the Arkham inmate decides to handle things personally and becomes determined to act as his own representative. However, Arthur’s perspective shifts dramatically upon listening to Gary Puddles’ testimony. The tragic demise of Ricky, another Arkham inmate and friend of Fleck, at the hands of guards leaves a profound impact on him. As a result, during his sentencing the next day, Fleck confesses to his offenses and relinquishes his Joker identity, disheartening his devoted fans and potential lover, Harleen “Lee” Quinzel (Lady Gaga).
In the end, Arthur’s decision turns out to be lethal. He is eventually killed by a disgruntled inmate at Arkham Asylum, in a scene that initially appears as a joke. However, as Arthur dies and the inmate continues his act, he carves a grin into his face – a sign that the real Joker has emerged. This twist has left fans with a range of emotions, but it seems like director Todd Phillips didn’t take this narrative turn lightly.
How Todd Phillips Explained The Movie’s Ending
The director of “The Hangover” shared details about the ending of his 2024 film with Entertainment Weekly. He clarified that Arthur’s decisions are primarily driven by several realizations concerning the lead character. One realization touches on society as a whole, while the other focuses on his role within it.
He realized that everything is so corrupt, it’s never going to change, and the only way to fix it is to burn it all down. When those guards kill that kid in the [hospital] he realizes that dressing up in makeup, putting on this thing, it’s not changing anything. In some ways, he’s accepted the fact that he’s always been Arthur Fleck; he’s never been this thing that’s been put upon him, this idea that Gotham people put on him, that he represents. He’s an unwitting icon. This thing was placed on him, and he doesn’t want to live as a fake anymore — he wants to be who he is. … The sad thing is, he’s Arthur, and nobody cares about Arthur.
Arthur once felt like an outcast in society, but creating the Joker character seemed to give him a warped sense of purpose and acceptance among those who supported him. However, as Todd Phillips explained, Ricky’s death served as a significant turning point for Fleck, helping him understand that he wasn’t bringing about any meaningful social change. Furthermore, it became clear that the public was only interested in his clown persona and not the real person behind it.
After viewers watched Joker 2, they’ve been quite critical not just about the ending, but also the musical aspects, the limited role of Lee, and more. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has received harsh criticism, and on CinemaScore, it garnered a D rating – making it the lowest-rated comic book movie ever on that platform. Despite all the negative feedback, it seems Todd Phillips chose to tell and conclude the story according to his vision.
If you haven’t already, formulate your own take on Joker: Folie à Deux by checking it out in theaters now. Also, be sure to read up on the upcoming DC movies that are currently on the docket.
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2024-10-07 17:39