Joker: Folie à Deux was, well, quite the experience. With a ranking of 5.3/10 from IMDb and 32% from Rotten Tomatoes, it left me feeling more confused than enlightened, which is not what I look for in a movie. I'm probably not the target audience, as I prefer leaving the cinema with clarity rather than puzzlement. The film often required me to dig deep to grasp its intended messages. Still, it had its moments that made it just engaging enough to sit through.
Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck, and his performance as Joker is undeniably powerful. His ability to capture the fractured nature of Arthur's mind is remarkable. Lady Gaga, as Lee Quinzel is a choice that I highly support. Proving to be an inspired casting choice as a result of her natural bold sense of style, Gaga makes Lee's intensity seem authentic, and her performance is a perfect match for Joker's chaotic energy.
The cinematography was also wonderful; the lighting, creative transitions and most of all the intense close-ups that made Arthur's inner turmoil practically tangible. The opening sequence, where Joker's shadow seems to take on a life of its own, provides a clever visual hint of the duality that dominates Arthur's character throughout the story.
In my opinion, the musical approach of the movie felt awkward and out of place for its dark nature. Most ideas were portrayed through music, which I found confusing and unclear. Arthur uses music as a thought process, imagining elaborate, staged scenarios to figure out his next moves—a concept that could have been intriguing but ended up feeling more confusing than compelling. The musical sequences lacked cohesion, making it difficult to see how these scenes connected to Arthur's journey or the Joker's larger narrative.
Lee Quinzel's motivation for pursuing Arthur is another puzzling element. Her fascination with him isn't clearly explained, leaving viewers wondering what drove her intense interest. She seemed to like him solely because he was the Joker, but why? What about the Joker intrigued her so much? While her affection helps Arthur accept his Joker identity, the lack of a backstory makes the depiction of her love for him less impactful.
It didn't hit home for me, but may be an intriguing watch for those who like to decipher complex thoughts.
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