After the success of the first *Joker*, expectations for the sequel were enormous. The first film wasn't just a comic book movie, but a full-fledged psychological drama about a man who was gradually pushed beyond the margins by society. That's why many viewers were waiting for the continuation of Arthur Fleck's story and his final transformation into the legendary Joker.
However, *Joker: Folie à Deux* turned out to be a completely different film. The second part isn't a conventional action movie, but rather a drama with musical elements. A significant portion of the film is built around musical numbers. This very approach became the main point of contention surrounding the film. Some viewers found it bold and unusual, while others saw it as a complete failure, as it differed significantly from the first part.
Speaking about the plot without spoilers, the action begins after the events of the first film. Arthur Fleck, who — despite the criticism of the film — is played quite well by Joaquin Phoenix, is in a psychiatric hospital awaiting trial for his crimes. It's there that he meets Harleen Quinzel, played by Lady Gaga. She gradually becomes the closest person to him, and a strange connection forms between them.
If you dig deeper, the film raises such themes as:
- dependence on the attention of others;
- responsibility for one's own actions;
- the destruction of personality;
- the boundaries between a real person and the image created by society.
Throughout the film, Arthur Fleck doesn't know who he really is. He definitely sympathizes with the image of the Joker, because it's in that persona that he fully expresses himself and draws the attention of those around him. At the same time, he doesn't mind giving an interview in which he tries to behave quite adequately at his lawyer's insistence. Apparently, he would have continued to waver between the two images if he hadn't met Harleen, who chose and loved in him precisely the Joker.
This inspires the protagonist, but only up to the point when he finds out that Harleen deceived him about her mental state. After that, the film's central dilemma arises: remain the Joker and a madman in the eyes of his loved one, avoiding the death penalty by being sent to psychiatric treatment, or choose the image of an ordinary man — Arthur Fleck — not appear like a fool in the eyes of his beloved girl, but be declared sane and thus be sentenced to death.
Among other features I'd note is, of course, the obvious point that all of the Joker's dreams and desires are conveyed through the musical numbers. And also a less obvious detail: the trial itself strongly resembles the real story of the maniac and serial killer Ted Bundy, who refused his lawyers and defended himself. A separate film was made about that, which I'll most likely review as well.
Overall, the film left very mixed feelings after viewing. On the one hand, it's the same fictional city with its prototype of New York — Gotham City — with beautiful angles and scenes. On the other hand, a film that presented itself as action cinema in the first part turned out to be a drama with musical scenes. And not with the simplest meaning to boot.
Therefore, this film may not be to everyone's liking, but personally, I liked it.
