What do get when you combine a clown, a psychopath and writer/director Todd Phillips?
A disappointing punchline.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” is the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit “Joker,” starring Joaquin Phoenix – who won the Academy Award for best actor for playing the film – and directed/co-written by Phillips.
The audience can expect a nerve-wracking character study of Arthur Fleck/Joker, (Phoenix) as he is put on trial for the murders he committed in “Joker.”
When Arthur meets a fellow inmate of Arkham Asylum in a music therapy class, Lee (Lady Gaga), a dangerous spark ignites. While “Folie à Deux” is not exactly a “musical,” Arthur and Lee do use song to awaken an internal sense freedom and joy. In the case of a man who is becoming the Joker – one of the most unhinged, chaotic and murderous characters ever created – is absolutely terrifying.
While this film is hands-down a captivating ride, with one hell of a pair of performances from Gaga and Phoenix, the story ultimately leads to a harrowing and shocking conclusion which left me feeling gut-punched and unsure of the ultimate point of the entire cinematic journey I just went on.
One thing is for sure though – watching “Joker: Folie à Deux,” which will start streaming on Dec. 13, will set you up to have thought-provoking and passionate debates with friends on whether this was a masterpiece or manipulative trash.
And so far, for me, those post-film conversations have been so much fun, it’s made seeing this film totally worth it.
Anderson Templeton is an original member of the Argus-Courier Screen Team. He is an actor, director and lifelong fan of film, storytelling and the cinematic experience.
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