‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Review: Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga Star in a Cracked Jukebox Musical — but It Doesn’t Let Joker Be Joker Enough:

In the sequel Joker: Folie à Deux, director Todd Phillips returns with a musical twist on the dark and twisted world of Arthur Fleck, portrayed again by Joaquin Phoenix. This time, the narrative places Arthur on trial, where he grapples not only with his identity but also with the spectacle his persona has incited. Within the confines of Arkham State Hospital, Arthur endures a bleak existence, occasionally punctuated by interactions with the guards and his growing infamy.

Arthur’s dreary life takes a turn when he meets Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga), an inmate whose obsession with his notorious act of violence brings a glimmer of connection. Gaga’s character, with her striking two-tone hair and intense adoration, sees Arthur not as a pariah but as the icon he has become outside the asylum walls.

As Arthur prepares for his televised trial, he encounters a society still fascinated by his chaos. His interactions, particularly with a provocative journalist, push him to express himself in unexpectedly musical ways, dredging up hits from a bygone era that echo his internal turmoil and desire for acknowledgment.

However, the film’s central debate—whether Arthur is a true psychopath or merely a product of societal neglect—unravels on the stand, with his sanity and fate hanging in the balance. The prosecution and defense wrestle over whether his violent alter ego is a true split personality or an excuse for his actions, making the courtroom drama a pivotal aspect of the plot.

Despite its ambitious setup and stellar cast, Joker: Folie à Deux struggles to fully embrace the chaotic energy that defined its predecessor. The musical sequences, while visually engaging, often feel more like fantastical digressions rather than poignant insights into Arthur’s psyche. Moreover, the film’s insistence on rehashing the split personality debate somewhat retreads familiar ground without offering new insights.

Ultimately, Joker: Folie à Deux aims to blend dark comedy, tragedy, and musical extravaganza but tends to meander between these elements without fully committing to any, leaving Arthur and his alter ego caught in a limbo of expression. While the performances, particularly from Phoenix and Gaga, are commendable, the film might leave audiences longing for the raw intensity that once made Arthur’s descent into madness so captivating.

RATING: ★★★★☆ [4/5]

Article Source: Variety

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