The sequel to the 2019 hit Joker debuts at the Venice Film Festival, with critics offering varied opinions on its unique approach and musical elements

The much-anticipated sequel to Joker, titled Joker: Folie à Deux, has finally made its debut at the Venice International Film Festival. With a release date set for October 4, the film continues the story of Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who is now institutionalized at Arkham Asylum. As Arthur grapples with his dual identity, he encounters Lee Quinzel, portrayed by Lady Gaga, and discovers a musical side that has always been within him.

Early reviews from critics who attended the premiere on September 4 reveal a mixed reception. The film takes a different approach compared to its predecessor, blending psychological depth with musical elements, leading to a range of responses.

The Independent praises the film’s intense darkness and psychological depth. They highlight Phoenix’s performance as “powerful and stirring,” noting the film’s brutal ending as a departure from traditional comic book conventions.

Empire offers a more nuanced take, suggesting that fans of both comic books and musical theatre might be surprised. The review notes that the film is neither a conventional superhero movie nor a showcase of high-calibre singing and dancing. Instead, it presents a “scrappier and stranger” experience.

The Wrap describes Folie à Deux as the most intriguing exploration of Arthur Fleck’s character yet, calling it “genuinely daring, challenging, and authentic.” They appreciate the film’s bold approach, emphasizing its originality and depth.

The Guardian acknowledges an improvement over the first film but criticizes the sequel for being strident and laborious at times. The review notes that the film incorporates musical elements, drawing comparisons to Dennis Potter’s Pennies from Heaven. Despite this, the film is described as having a flavour and structure that the original lacked.

BBC offers a more critical perspective, labeling the film as disappointing, yet suggesting that this may have been the intended outcome.

Evening Standard expresses disappointment over the film’s balance, stating that more comic book action and less singing could have enhanced its appeal. The review implies that the film missed an opportunity to be truly outstanding.

The sequel’s runtime is approximately 138 minutes, making it about 16 minutes longer than its predecessor. Director Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the film with Scott Silver, revealed that the movie opens with an animated Looney Tunes-inspired sequence, intended to give the film a uniquely chaotic feel.

Phoenix shared an anecdote about Lady Gaga’s reaction to his singing, recalling her surprise and encouragement during the recording process. He noted that Gaga’s response, including a humorous incident involving coffee, helped boost his confidence.

As anticipation builds for its theatrical release, Joker: Folie à Deux promises to offer a fresh take on the dark and complex world of Arthur Fleck.

Analysis:

Political:

Joker: Folie à Deux continues to explore themes of mental health and societal discontent, aligning with the political discourse around these issues. The film’s focus on Arthur Fleck’s struggle within the institutional system and its depiction of societal reactions to mental illness may contribute to ongoing debates about mental health care and its portrayal in media. By combining psychological depth with musical elements, the film challenges conventional political narratives about heroism and villainy, pushing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the societal treatment of marginalized individuals.

Social:

The sequel’s unique blend of psychological drama and musical elements reflects evolving social attitudes towards genre-blending and storytelling. The mixed reactions to the film highlight the tension between traditional expectations of comic book adaptations and more experimental, artistically driven narratives. The incorporation of musical elements into a dark psychological story may mirror broader social trends toward genre innovation and the breaking of conventional storytelling boundaries. The film’s reception also underscores the diverse expectations audiences have for sequels to culturally significant films.

Racial:

While the primary focus of Folie à Deux is on psychological and thematic elements, the film’s exploration of societal structures and institutional settings indirectly touches on racial and social dynamics. The portrayal of Arthur Fleck’s struggles within a mental health facility can prompt discussions about racial disparities in mental health care and representation. Although the film does not explicitly address racial issues, its depiction of institutional challenges may resonate with broader conversations about systemic inequities.

Gender:

The inclusion of Lady Gaga as a central character in a musical role adds a gendered dimension to the film’s exploration of identity and creativity. Her character’s interaction with Arthur Fleck highlights themes of collaboration and influence in creative processes. The film’s approach to gender may also reflect shifting norms in how female characters are integrated into traditionally male-dominated genres. The critical reception of the film’s musical elements, coupled with its portrayal of female characters, invites discussion on the representation of women in complex, genre-crossing narratives.

Economic:

From an economic standpoint, Joker: Folie à Deux represents a significant investment in blending high-profile talent with an unconventional narrative approach. The film’s longer runtime and unique elements, such as the animated sequence, indicate a strategic effort to differentiate it from typical comic book adaptations and attract a broad audience. The mixed reviews suggest that while the film may attract interest due to its star-studded cast and innovative approach, its financial success will depend on whether