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Tim Dillon critiques ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’
Comedian Tim Dillon on his brief role and film critique
Comedian Tim Dillon, who appears fleetingly in the sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux” as a security guard at Arkham Asylum, recently shared his candid thoughts about the film. During an appearance on a popular podcast, Dillon did not hold back his disdain for Todd Phillips’ controversial sequel, labeling it “the worst film that has ever been made.”
Box office disappointment
The sequel, which features Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as the titular character and Lady Gaga joining the cast, faced harsh criticism and underperformed at the box office. With domestic earnings of $58 million and $204 million worldwide, the film fell significantly short of the original “Joker”‘s staggering $1 billion gross.
A departure from the original
Dillon elaborated on his critique, suggesting that the sequel tried to deviate too drastically from the first film’s darker themes. He commented on how the original was criticized for its perceived message and the audience it attracted, prompting a shift in tone for the follow-up. “They have Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga tap dancing to a point where it’s insane,” Dillon remarked, indicating that the film’s new direction may have been a response to the controversy surrounding the original.
Lack of a coherent plot
One of Dillon’s primary grievances with “Joker: Folie à Deux” was its perceived lack of a coherent plot. He recounted conversations with his fellow actors on set, all dressed as Arkham Asylum security guards, where they openly questioned the film’s storyline. “It has no plot,” Dillon stated bluntly, sharing his confusion about the film’s narrative and expressing skepticism about its success even before the film’s release.
A polarizing reception
While Dillon’s harsh critique resonated with many who were disappointed by the film, “Joker: Folie à Deux” also garnered praise from some unexpected quarters. Notably, acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino defended the film.
In a separate interview, Tarantino praised Phillips for his bold approach, describing it as a calculated risk intended to shake up audience expectations. He opined that Phoenix delivered one of the best performances he had ever seen and suggested that Phillips approached the film with a subversive mindset, spending the studio’s money in a way that mirrored the Joker’s anarchic spirit.
Artistic experimentation or practical joke?
Dillon speculated that the sequel might have been a $200 million “practical joke” designed to challenge the original’s fans directly. Tarantino’s interpretation supported this, suggesting that Phillips, much like the Joker himself, was thumbing his nose at conventional filmmaking norms.
“The Joker directed the movie,” Tarantino said, referring to Phillips. “The entire concept, even him spending the studio’s money — he’s spending it like the Joker would spend it.”
A divided audience
Despite these defenses, the film’s reception remains deeply polarized. Some viewers appreciate the film’s audacity and unique perspective, seeing it as a fresh take on the millionaire supervillain narrative. Others, however, find the sequel lacking the coherence and intensity that made the original so compelling, struggling to reconcile its unexpected tonal shifts and narrative choices.
Exploring cinematic risk
Ultimately, “Joker: Folie à Deux” stands as a testament to the risks inherent in expanding a beloved and highly successful film. While the sequel has undeniably sparked controversy and debate within the industry and among fans, it also highlights the diverging perceptions of what makes a film impactful and memorable.
Whether you see the sequel as a bold artistic statement or a miscalculated attempt to capitalize on the Joker‘s popularity, there’s no denying that the conversation surrounding it has only added to the film’s mystique.
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