It’s not always throwbacks here, you guys know that. I had a chance this weekend to do a full Batman themed day. It started with the 85th Anniversary Exhibition, here in London, before I got myself over to the BFI IMAX to watch Todd Phillips’ much awaited Joker sequel. The trip was made even better because I got to meet some of the members of a film appreciators group that I’m part of, for the first time. But let’s get down to analysis first!
‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ starts where the first film finishes. Arthur Fleck, aka Joker, is in prison for the murders that he committed. Initially, we see him broken and quiet. One day, one of the guards, takes Arthur for a meeting with his lawyer who is trying to convince the world that Arthur and Joker are two separate identities. On the way to the meeting, Arthur walks by a room in the prison where he sees a number of inmates singing. That particular guard, Jackie, decides to get Arthur a space in that therapy, where Arthur meets Lee, an inmate who is fascinated with him. During one evening, she attempts to convince him to escape, telling him that she loves him and wants to create a life with him outside of prison. Just as Arthur sees hope, it’s announced that the district attorney, Harvey Dent, is pushing for the death penalty for Arthur’s case. Reinvigorated by his new relationship, Arthur’s case begins, drawing in all sorts of crowds. Lee is there to support him, and tries to persuade him to revel in his Joker persona. As the trial heats up, Arthur starts to make unwise decisions and he’s torn in two different directions. Can Joker convince a jury that he is truly innocent? And just what are the motives behind everyone else in Arthur’s life?
Returning in the titular role, as Arthur Fleck, is the indomitable Joaquin Phoenix. There’s no doubt about it, Phoenix is a phenomenal actor. His performance in the first film was unbeatable, and it feels as if this film almost took away from the magic of the former. There were several supporting roles that I also feel are worth mentioning. If we talk about Steve Coogan and Catherine Keener who play TV host Paddy Meyers and Arthur’s lawyer Maryanne Stewart respectively, they were small roles, but played well. A more iconic character, Harvey Dent, was played by Harry Lawtey. Lawtey’s performance was actually very well done, and despite not being the comic accurate villain, he sure plays a pretty antagonistic guy. Playing Jackie Sullivan, the guard who has a sort of love/hate relationship with Arthur, was Brendan Gleeson. Now, I think Gleeson is an amazing actor, and despite only being a supporting character, he does well to leave his mark on the film. Finally, let’s finish with the other lead role, Harleen Quinzel, played by Lady Gaga. I’ve seen Gaga in ‘A Star Is Born’ and my qualms about her acting dissipated when I watched her in that, she can clearly act. Playing an iconic role like Harley Quinn, albeit an alternate version of the character, was not an easy feat and I feel like she slid into the role effortlessly!
I don’t need to mince my words. This film was not needed. I have recently been complaining about studios creating films about characters that don’t need solo films. I’m mostly referencing Sony’s attempt to create a ‘Spider-Verse’ without Spider-Man. But I did feel when the first ‘Joker’ film was announced that it was a money grab situation, but after watching it, I was silenced. It was Oscar-worthy and it should have been left as a single movie. That’s not to say that this film was awful, but it’s really hard to watch it and pretend like it’s not remotely related to its predecessor. The choice to make it a musical as well, was interesting, and again, although Todd Phillips’ ability to create good films is not being questioned, his decision to tarnish a perfect product has certainly left me a little baffled!
The first film had some impressive cinematography, and its sequel at least lives up in that aspect. Some of the transitions into the songs were odd, but created masterfully. The colour work and grading was impressive and really allowed viewers to appreciate what was real and what wasn’t. I also do have to praise the opening cartoon, which again was odd, but well created. As a musical, the soundtrack was imperative. Whilst the singing was good, and the transitions orchestrated well, I felt in certain parts that the actual soundtrack was drowned out. Overall, this was not the worst film I’ve seen, but it was certainly a film that has left a sour taste in the mouth of a fan of the first film!
Rating:
Story: ★★★
Acting: ★★★★
Cinematography: ★★★★
Music: ★★★½
Enjoyability: ★★½