Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker Folie à Deux is the return of Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck. The film begins not long after the first film as Fleck faces charges of five murders. But for anyone who counted, Fleck killed six people by his own hands and possibly countless others as his actions led to riots and chaos in Gotham City. The OG film was set to be a stand-alone as we watched the origin of Joker, but this film confirms Todd changed his mind about Joker and what it stands for.
The film begins with Fleck in Arkham Asylum getting treated in the west wing along with other inmates. In a very bleak world, Arthur is subjected to more abuse in prison from the guard, fellow inmates and more. In the time that Arthur spent in jail, he didn’t cause any big scenes, leading him to a chance at a trial. A trial where his lawyer hopes to declare him mentally ill so he can be treated with care by actual doctors and not prison guards. They hope to prove that Fleck has a split personality aka Joker because of the abuse he faced as a child. Their defence is mental instability, claiming it was the Joker, his split personality that committed the murders.
Arkham has two facilities, one for the inmates which also includes multiple murder charges and in the same compound is the other wing where people can willingly commit themself to be treated for mental health diseases and issues. However, the east wing is where the fun begins, away from the prison. His good behaviour gives Arthur a chance to visit the good hospital, where he meets Lee. The film then explores their relationship, his trial the chaos in Gotham City and more.
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Joker and Joker 2 are set in the 80’s. And it is important to remember that mental illness wasn’t easily accepted in society, and it isn’t in this DC world either. The film does come with subtle hints about mental illness, its impact and the perception. But above all, the film continues to focus on Fleck and his mental state. From music, camera work, and direction to performances, everything remains in line with the state of his mind and picking up the ques makes it an even more fun experience.
The musical transitions to every song are also in flow with Fleck’s experience and how he sees the world. How Fleck understands the world and what he wants the world to make of him is embedded into the songs. The lighting, dreadful environment and locations are carefully picked add layers and layers of storytelling.
One of the best parts about watching Joaquin Phoenix as Joker once again is the subtle changes in his expression. Despite the consumed and the make-up, the same behavioural traits and habits, turn him into a different character. Joaquin reveals several versions of Arthur and the quick changes are widely impactful for the scenes and characters. Lady Gaga, on the other hand, towers over with her presence in every shot as you would expect of Harley Quinn.
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Overall, the sequel remains true to the story of Arthur Fleck and what’s to become of him. Lady Gaga remains a part of his world, but the impact she has is bigger than anything in both films combined. Within Arthur Fleck’s story, Joker 2 is really about the madness of two people.
Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India