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Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga mesmerize in “Joker: Folie à Deux”
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains major spoilers for the ending of “Joker: Folie à Deux” now playing in theaters.
A new chapter in the Joker saga
Joaquin Phoenix returns in “Joker: Folie à Deux,” reprising his role as Arthur Fleck, the troubled clown whose descent into madness has captivated audiences. This time, he’s joined by Lady Gaga, who steps into the shoes of another iconic DC Comics villain, Harley Quinn.
The trial of Arthur Fleck
The sequel picks up where the original “Joker” left off, with Arthur Fleck standing trial for the murders he committed. His lawyer, portrayed by Catherine Keener, argues that Arthur and Joker are two distinct personalities. She contends that Arthur’s traumatic childhood led to the birth of Joker, an alter-ego separate from Arthur’s mind.
Harvey Dent, played by Harry Lawtey of “Industry” fame, prosecutes the case. Fans of the Batman series will recognize Dent as the future villain Two Face. The courtroom drama intensifies as the jury sides with Dent and convicts Arthur of murder.
Chaos in court
Just as the trial is set to continue, a bomb explodes outside the courthouse, plunging the city into chaos. Arthur briefly escapes with the help of two fervent followers, but he is swiftly recaptured and returned to Arkham Asylum. The explosion appears to have scarred Dent’s face, potentially setting the stage for his transformation into Two Face.
A bloody conclusion
The film’s climax is nothing short of gruesome. Arthur is ambushed by a deranged Arkham patient, played by Connor Storrie. The inmate tells Arthur a joke and then savagely stabs him in the stomach multiple times. As Arthur bleeds out on the floor, the maniac carves a Glasgow smile into his own face, laughing uncontrollably.
Homage to Heath Ledger?
Fans have speculated that Arthur’s killer might be a tribute to Heath Ledger’s Joker from “The Dark Knight,” given the similar scars. However, Todd Phillips’ “Joker” and Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” trilogy exist in separate timelines and universes, making a direct connection unlikely.
Ledger’s Joker had a mysterious backstory, with varying tales of how he got his scars. In “The Dark Knight,” he mentions that his father cut him as a child in one scene, while in another, he claims he disfigured himself after his wife’s face was scarred due to gambling debts. Nolan’s movie was set in the 2000s, whereas “Joker” occurs in the 1980s, further distancing the characters.
The end for Phoenix’s Joker?
It appears that Phoenix is bidding farewell to the red suit and clown makeup with “Folie à Deux.” The “Joker” films have existed in their distinctive world, unlinked to Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” or James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DC Universe. Therefore, it’s improbable that Phoenix’s Joker will be resurrected or revisited.
The future of the Joker character might see Barry Keoghan, who hinted at his role in the final scene of “The Batman.” Reeves’ sequel is slated for 2026, and fans are eagerly anticipating what Keoghan will bring to the storied character.
Reflections on the Joker’s legacy
The “Joker” films have redefined the comic book movie genre with their gritty realism and psychological depth. Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck brought a new layer of complexity to the character, earning him an Oscar and reshaping public perception of the Joker.
Harley Quinn’s introduction by Lady Gaga adds another fascinating dimension. Quinn’s chaotic relationship with the Joker is infamous in the comics, and Gaga’s performance promises to explore these dynamics in intricate detail.
The film industry has witnessed a trend towards darker, more nuanced portrayals of classic villains, and “Joker: Folie à Deux” epitomizes this shift. With intricate storytelling and powerhouse performances, it’s a cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Final thoughts
“Joker: Folie à Deux” has set a high bar for future comic book adaptations. While Phoenix may be stepping away, his impact on the character and the genre is indelible. As the curtain falls on this chapter, the legacy of Joker continues to evolve, promising new interpretations and stories for years to come.
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