Beverly Boy Reviews - Joker: Folie à Deux

Struggling with his dual identity, failed comedian Arthur Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn, while incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital.

 
Release date: October 4, 2024 (Canada)



Director: 
Todd Phillips 



Box office: 
$201.1 million



Distributed by: 
Warner Bros.Warner Bros. Pictures


 

 

The world is a stage.


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Rated R for some strong violence, language throughout, some sexuality, and brief full nudity.



Audience Reviews

Alan żyła
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"Joker: Folie à Deux is intense and emotionally driven. While not as powerful as the first, it delivers brilliant performances across the board. The music intertwines seamlessly, enhancing Arthur’s story."
Maximus Smith
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"A brilliantly crafted piece with a haunting soundtrack. While the musical twist may divide audiences, it’s an essential part of Arthur’s character."
Misha Haynie
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"A bold film with standout performances. The musical sequences are beautiful but unexpected, and the ending is jarring and gruesome."
DanicaDaki Leonarda
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"A disappointing sequel lacking the original's depth. The musical aspect doesn’t fit, and the ending feels pointless."
Glitch BGS
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"Folie à Deux was a complete letdown compared to the first film. The chaotic musical numbers and confusing tonal shifts overshadowed the original's raw portrayal of mental illness. The pacing felt erratic, and Arthur’s character lacked the depth that made him compelling before."

Critic Reviews

Matthew Rozsa >> Salon.com
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With a fresh score, Rozsa highlights how both Fleck and his followers suffer from genuine social and economic injustices. He notes that the movie, led by Gaga’s fiery portrayal of Quinzel, dives deep into Fleck's delusion, creating a shared folie à deux.
Joe Friar >> Fort Worth Report
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With a positive score, Friar praises Lady Gaga’s performance and the unique musical twist, though he cautions that it may not suit fans of the first Joker film.
Karl Puschmann >> New Zealand Herald
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“It is not good. But it is art.” Puschmann describes the film as a piece of art worth celebrating despite not recommending it.
Tom Meek >> Cambridge Day
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Meek critiques the film's "tonal and contextual (and textual) shifts," stating that they ultimately don’t click, which he sees as the film’s biggest drawback.
Gavin Spoors >> Mediaversity Reviews
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Rated poorly, Spoors points out a lack of respect for the depiction of mental health in the film.

Overview

In Joker 2, audiences dive deeper into Arthur Fleck’s chaotic world, with director Todd Phillips elevating the character’s journey in this highly anticipated sequel. Building on the intense psychological themes established in the first film, Joker 2 is a compelling display of cinematic artistry and storytelling that sets a new standard in modern filmmaking.

Cinematography: Visual Storytelling at Its Finest

The cinematography in Joker 2, led by the acclaimed Lawrence Sher, is nothing short of remarkable. By embracing gritty urban landscapes, dramatic shadows, and evocative framing, the visuals capture the depth of Arthur’s tormented psyche. The color palette leans heavily into cool tones—deep greens, haunting greys, and moody blues—that reflect the duality within Arthur’s character. The masterful use of light and shadow amplifies the film’s somber atmosphere, drawing viewers deeper into Arthur’s isolated and complex world.

At Beverly Boy Productions, we recognize the skill required to use color, composition, and lighting to create not only an aesthetic but an emotional connection. Sher’s approach showcases how visual design can shape an audience’s experience in ways that are both subtle and profound.

Production Design: Creating a Tangible Gotham

The world of Joker 2 is richly detailed, with a commitment to authenticity that shines through every frame. From Arthur’s rundown apartment to Gotham’s gritty alleyways, each set piece feels meticulously crafted to reinforce the story. The dark, decaying aesthetics of Gotham City are not merely a backdrop but an extension of Arthur’s fractured mind, adding layers of meaning to each scene.

For us at Beverly Boy Productions, the film’s dedication to such detailed production design exemplifies how creating a believable world can ground an audience, making the narrative feel immediate and impactful. This focus on set curation and visual storytelling is a cornerstone of high-quality production, one that elevates the audience’s immersion.

Camera Work: Intimate and Unsettling

The camera work in Joker 2 is deliberately intimate, capturing Arthur’s journey in an almost personal way. Close-ups linger, offering glimpses into his inner turmoil, while handheld moments enhance the film’s raw and unpredictable energy. This choice in cinematography reflects Arthur’s increasingly unstable mental state, allowing viewers to feel as though they’re moving through his world alongside him.

The way Phillips and Sher use fluid, deliberate movement to draw the audience into Arthur’s life reflects the art of storytelling through camera work—an approach we prioritize at Beverly Boy Productions. Their use of tracking shots and shifting perspectives adds depth to the viewing experience, engaging audiences in an emotional, almost tangible way.

Post-Production Excellence: A Fusion of Sound and Image

Joker 2 excels in post-production with its seamless editing, atmospheric sound design, and haunting musical score. Each element is timed with precision, creating tension and suspense that feels organic rather than forced. The score weaves into the narrative, heightening moments of intensity and introspection. This level of post-production expertise demonstrates the power of sound and image working in harmony to evoke emotion and drive storytelling.

At Beverly Boy Productions, we know how crucial sound design and editing are to shaping the final narrative. The rhythm of Joker 2 showcases the film’s mastery of timing and audio quality, underscoring how post-production choices can define a film’s tone and emotional impact.

Final Thoughts

Joker 2 is a true cinematic accomplishment, reflecting the highest standards of film production. From cinematography to sound design, the film employs every tool of the trade to deliver an experience that is as haunting as it is mesmerizing. Here at Beverly Boy Productions, we’re inspired by Joker 2’s dedication to craft and storytelling, which serves as a testament to the power of film to captivate and move audiences.

Our review celebrates Joker 2 as a masterclass in production, a film that not only entertains but pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling—reinforcing why quality, precision, and artistry remain at the heart of our own work at Beverly Boy Productions.

Top Cast and Characters

Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck in “Joker: Folie à Deux” (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Joaquin Phoenixas Arthur Fleck/Joker

Returning with his Oscar-winning portrayal, Phoenix delves into Arthur’s court trial and complex romance with Harley Quinn.

Lady Gaga as Lee Quinzel in “Joker: Folie à Deux” (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Lady Gaga as Dr. Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn

Gaga’s Harley offers a twisted yet passionate connection to Arthur, supporting his descent into a fantastical world of music and romance.

Zazie Beetz on Feb. 7, 2024 in New York City. (Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)

Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond

Sophie makes a brief yet powerful return as a witness for the prosecution.

Brendan Gleeson as Jackie Sullivan and Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck in “Joker: Folie à Deux” (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Brendan Gleeson as Jackie Sullivan

Arthur’s prison guard and music therapy class guide, who reveals his darker side in court.

Catherine Keener at the US Premiere of “Joker: Folie à Deux” at TCL Chinese Theatre on Sept. 30 (Credit: Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images)

Catherine Keener as Maryanne Stewart

Arthur’s defense attorney, adding a new dimension to his struggle for identity and justice.

Jacob Lofland at Paris Fashion Week on Sept. 24, 2024 (Credit: Marc Piasecki/WireImage)

Jacob Lofland as Ricky Meline

Arthur’s acolyte, offering a glimpse into the Joker’s sway over others in Arkham.

Harry Lawtey as Harvey Dent in “Joker: Folie à Deux” (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Harry Lawtey as Harvey Dent

Gotham’s DA, who brings an earnestness to his fight for justice, unaware of his own dark future.

Movie Highlights

  1. Musical Approach
    With Arthur and Harley’s musical escape scenes, Folie à Deux delivers a darkly surreal twist, blending courtroom drama with fantasy, artfully capturing the inner turmoil of the Joker.

  2. Unsettling Themes
    Themes of love, madness, and society’s judgment add depth to Joker’s story, though the intense, graphic ending may not be for everyone.

  3. Outstanding Performances
    Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga deliver powerful portrayals, providing a unique glimpse into Joker’s dark romance.

  4. Cinematic Mastery
    Todd Phillips collaborates with an award-winning crew to create a visually gripping experience, with cinematography and sound adding layers to Arthur’s complex world.

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