Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
I watched Joker: Folie à Deux during its premiere screening in London, and it was a cinematic experience filled with madness and creativity. The film takes you deep inside the mind of Arthur Fleck through visually artistic and musical sequences that reflect his disturbed emotions and fractured thoughts. It portrays how the world, from Arthur’s perspective, is nothing more than a grand stage where he performs his role as he sees fit—while also highlighting the impact he has had on others since the events of the first film, becoming a symbol for some and an icon of rebellion.
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Joaquin Phoenix delivers a legendary performance without question—the film’s greatest strength. Several of his scenes inside Arkham Asylum and during the courtroom sequences are astonishing in their intensity. His ability to embody the character’s psychological complexity and emotional depth adds another remarkable layer to the film.
On the other hand, Lady Gaga gives a performance that feels less impactful than expected. Her role does not leave a strong narrative imprint, nor does it carry the weight one might anticipate given the significance of the character she portrays.
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
One of the film’s most striking aspects is its apparent narrative chaos. However, this disorder is not necessarily a flaw; it appears to be a deliberate choice by director Todd Phillips to immerse the audience within Arthur’s unstable psyche. This technique makes the experience disorienting yet artistically rich, as viewers feel like participants in Arthur’s internal journey rather than passive observers.
The film is filled with creative visuals and musical moments that enhance the atmosphere of ambiguity and madness, making it a very different experience from the first installment. The use of songs and musical sequences plays a central role in the storytelling. While this may intrigue some viewers, others may find it disconnected from the tone established in the original film.
Despite its creative ambition, the film leaves viewers with a lingering question: Was a sequel truly necessary? Would it have been better to leave the original untouched? Personally, I believe the answer leans toward yes—it might have been better not to continue the story. Yet, it is impossible to deny the bold artistic ideas presented here, even if they do not match the impact of the original.
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
This sequel differs greatly from the first Joker, which I consider one of the greatest films ever made. While the original was a complete experience in terms of narrative, message, and psychological impact, the sequel relies heavily on Joaquin Phoenix’s powerful performance and striking artistic sequences, without delivering a story of equal strength or resonance.
In conclusion, the film is worth watching for its creative elements and Phoenix’s extraordinary performance, but it does not reach the level of the first installment. Still, it remains a thought-provoking work open to discussion and analysis. I would rate it 6.5/10, particularly for fans of complex characters and films that blend psychological drama with bold visual artistry.
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