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Quentin Tarantino’s unexpected praise for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’
Joker: Folie à Deux has faced criticism from both audiences and critics alike, struggling at the box office and receiving mixed reviews. However, one voice of dissent has stood out in support of the movie: Quentin Tarantino. The iconic filmmaker recently shared his thoughts on the polarizing sequel during a podcast interview, revealing a surprisingly positive opinion.
Tarantino’s admiration for a divisive film
Despite the film’s domestic earnings barely scraping the $60 million mark after nearly a month in theaters and a global total of $201 million—remarkably less impressive compared to the 2019 original’s billion-dollar haul—Tarantino expressed immense admiration. He confessed to having gone in with tempered expectations, only to be thoroughly impressed by the filmmaking and unique choices made by director Todd Phillips.
“I really, really liked it,” Tarantino shared emphatically. “I expected an intellectual exercise that might not work as a movie, but it sucked me in entirely. The musical sequences, I felt, were especially poignant—the banaler the song, the better it fit.”
Parallels with ‘Natural Born Killers’
Interestingly, Tarantino drew parallels between Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck and Lady Gaga’s Lee Quinzel from Joker: Folie à Deux and the twisted serial killer couple from his own screenplay for Natural Born Killers. He acknowledged the influence of his work on this latest Joker installment.
“As much as the first one was indebted to Taxi Driver, this feels incredibly inspired by Natural Born Killers, which I wrote. The film was like a fever dream of Mickey Knox, and I absolutely loved it,” remarked Tarantino.
Delighting in the dark humor
Among the film’s qualities, Tarantino particularly enjoyed its dark humor. He saw the movie in an almost empty IMAX theater, which allowed him to laugh freely without disturbing others. “I was laughing at moments most people wouldn’t,” he admitted, underlining his appreciation for the film’s provocative nature.
Phoenix’s outstanding performance
Tarantino didn’t hold back in his praise for Joaquin Phoenix’s performance either. The actor, who once again took on the role of The Joker, delivered what Tarantino described as “one of the best performances I’ve ever seen in my life.” Phoenix had previously won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the 2019 original over Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in Tarantino’s own Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Todd Phillips: The Joker himself
Beyond the cast, Tarantino’s commendation extended to the director, Todd Phillips, whom he referred to as the Joker himself. Elaborating on this point, Tarantino described Phillips’ approach to the film as if the Joker were in charge of spending the studio’s money.
“He’s spending it like the Joker would. The whole concept—even the twists and turns—feels like a grand joke on the audience, the industry, and even DC and Warner Brothers shareholders,” he added with a chuckle.
Reflecting on the original ‘Joker’
Interestingly, Tarantino viewed Joker: Folie à Deux more favorably than the 2019 original. While he found the first film somewhat one-note until its climactic scene where Joaquin’s Joker shoots Robert De Niro’s talk show host live on air, the sequel offered a series of provocative and bold choices that resonated with him profoundly.
Bold choices in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’
It’s no secret that Joker: Folie à Deux has alienated some comic book fans with its musical numbers and a divisive twist ending. Nevertheless, Tarantino views these choices as strengths rather than weaknesses. He celebrates the film’s capacity to challenge conventional norms and provoke thought among its viewers.
Tarantino’s endorsement adds a new layer to the ongoing conversation about Joker: Folie à Deux. As a filmmaker known for his bold and unorthodox storytelling, his appreciation for the movie may inspire some to view it through a different lens. For those passionate about exploring the intricate tapestries of modern cinema, listening to Tarantino’s full discussion unfolds a treasure trove of insights.
While many comic book moviegoers remain divided, the film’s intention to provoke and polarize is precisely what makes it a standout in a sea of predictable blockbusters. Discover more such insights and stay tuned for explorations into the fascinating world of cinema by sharing this article and following our platform.
