Warner Bros. Reportedly Declined Joker: Folie Deux Test Screenings

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As someone who has been a dedicated fan of the Joker since I was a child, watching Heath Ledger bring the character to life in “The Dark Knight” and then being blown away by Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal in “Joker,” I must say that I am deeply disappointed with “Joker: Folie à Deux.

Warning! The Following Contains SPOILERS for Joker: Folie á Deux.

In a different take, film director Todd Phillips made the decision to have Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker character meet his end, a move that is expected to come at a significant financial cost for him and Warner Bros. Studios. One might wonder if a simple test screening could have saved them from this predicament, as it appears that laughter all the way to the bank was missed instead. The upcoming DC film “Joker: Folie á Deux,” presented ahead of its premiere at the 81st Venice Film Festival, might have helped prevent such a reception, given that both critics and fans are panning the movie, with poor box office numbers to boot. Moreover, according to a recent report by Matt Belloni on Puck’s digital media platform, Warner Bros. is said to have opted out of test screening “Joker 2.” Belloni notes this through Screen Rant.

“Despite the risky musical element and dry courtroom sequences, I’m told Warners declined to test screen Folie à Deux to get audience feedback before Phillips locked the film. That’s quite a tightrope to walk on the studio’s most expensive movie of the year.”

Despite the prolonged standing ovation for the movie “Folie à Deux” at this year’s Venice Film Festival, it appears that Phillips’ film is facing a significant challenge in recouping its massive $200 million budget. Following the special fan screenings of “Joker 2” on Monday and the previews on Thursday, as well as its opening-day earnings on Friday, the movie starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga has made just $20 million domestically (as reported by The Numbers). A test screening could have given Phillips a chance to adjust course before audiences and critics started savaging the film with their scathing reviews and reactions.

Joker: Folie á Deux Is Crucified by Fans & Critics Alike

The initial long-term box office projection for the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2019 hit film “Joker,” titled “Joker: Folie à Deux,” forecasted that it would likely earn between $115 million and $145 million (as per Boxoffice Pro). However, after the underwhelming opening on October 4 for “Joker 2,” the DC sequel now appears to struggle even reaching a domestic opening weekend total of $50 million. Possibly, if Warner Bros. and Todd Phillips had opted for test screenings before its release, much of the negative sentiment towards “Folie à Deux” might have been prevented.

It seems there’s more to consider than merely the poor CinemaScore of the film “Joker” (Phoenix), which gauges audience reactions immediately after viewing in theaters. Director Todd Phillips’ portrayal of Harley Quinn (Gaga), who ultimately breaks the Joker, aka Arthur Fleck’s heart, could infuriate devoted fans of this cherished character. Moreover, the unsettling and seemingly unnecessary reference to Heath Ledger’s Joker at the film’s end might spark controversy, as it appears to contradict the excellence of “Joker” (2019) if the scene’s implications are indeed accurate. Is Phillips, in effect, flipping off DC fans by suggesting that Arthur Fleck is not the genuine Joker?

The disappointing Rotten Tomatoes ratings for “Joker: Folie á Deux” accurately mirror the dissatisfaction towards Phillips’ work that both audiences and critics express. Instead of being a heartfelt tribute to fans, it appears to be more of a letdown. As of now, on the Tomatometer, it has garnered just 33% approval from 243 reviews. The Popcornmeter, which was previously known as the RT audience score, shows an even lower 32% satisfaction with over 1,000 verified ratings.

Unfortunately, it’s disappointing to note that Phillips mirrored the actions of the fictional Joker from the acclaimed Batman story “A Death in the Family” by ending Arthur Fleck’s character, a sequel he himself directed. It’s puzzling and regrettable that such an esteemed filmmaker chose to eliminate Arthur Fleck – there was simply no valid reason for it. It’s challenging to think of DC films more poorly received than “Batman & Robin” and “Catwoman,” but “Folie á Deux” is so problematic that it can’t be overlooked.

Joker: Folie á Deux
is now playing in theaters.

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2024-10-05 22:02