Arthur Fleck suffers from several mental disorders, including a personality disorder with episodes of psychosis and severe depression. His uncontrollable laughter, a symptom of a rare neurological condition, accentuates his isolation and his struggle to connect to society.
Tl;dr
- Joker: Folie à Deux explores Arthur Fleck’s mental state even more deeply.
- No specific diagnosis of Arthur’s mental illness is confirmed in the film.
- The film offers varying interpretations of Arthur’s mental state, including dissociative identity disorder.
Delving into the tormented mind of Arthur Fleck
In Joker: Folie à Deuxwe delve deeper into Arthur Fleck’s complex mental state. The character, played brilliantly by Joaquin Phoenix, is developed well beyond what he was in the first film. Despite the numerous references to the DC universe, the film maintains the realism of the Joker, a character anchored in reality.
What mental illness for Arthur Fleck?
Arthur’s mental state is at the heart of the film, notably thanks to a legal intrigue which explores the depths of his thoughts. As Arthur’s lawyers try to avoid the death penalty, many questions about his mental illness are raised. However, neither Joker in Joker 2 do not specify what mental illness Arthur might have.
Speculation and reality
Much speculation has emerged outside of the film. According to the website of the National Library of MedicineArthur is said to suffer from a neurological disorder called pseudobulbar effect, caused by brain damage and causing fits of laughter. This is an interesting hypothesis, but it should be noted that neurological disorders differ from mental illnesses.
Varied interpretations
In Joker: Folie à Deuxthe film explores other interpretations of Arthur’s mental state. During his trial for the murders committed in the first film, it is suggested that Arthur may suffer from dissociative identity disorder. However, this theory is disproven by another doctor who attributes the Joker’s actions to severe anxiety, loneliness, and PTSD related to childhood abuse.
What do we think?
Joker: Folie à Deux offers a fascinating exploration of Arthur Fleck’s mental state. Although the lack of a precise diagnosis may frustrate some, it reflects the true complexity of mental disorders. It is a bold work that invites deep reflection on mental health and judicial responsibility.
