“Joker: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to the critically acclaimed film, “Joker,” debuted Oct. 4 bringing Joaquin Phoenix back to the iconic role in theaters across the country.
The film also introduces Stefani Germanotta, more famously known as the actress and singer, Lady Gaga, to the role of Harley Quinn and actress Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond.
This sequel, directed by Todd Phillips, is a mix of genres being described as a crime, drama and thriller musical. With it mostly being a jukebox musical, several reinterpretations of well-known songs will be featured in the movie, including the song, “That’s Entertainment,” from the 1953 musical, “Bandwagon.” However, some original songs from the cast have made their way into the tracklist as well.
The story centers around Joker and Harley Quinn’s infamous love story as they go about life together in the Arkham State Hospital. For a watch time of two hours and 18 minutes, audiences get to experience their psychologically flawed romance.
Movie-goers will also get to see life outside the mental hospital the two protagonists reside in as during their stay Joker’s supporters are fighting to get him released.
Along with the debut of the film, Lady Gaga also released a companion album, Sept. 27, titled “Harlequin.” The album features 13 songs including, “World on a String,” “Gonna Build a Mountain” and “Smile.”
Originally, a sequel to the 2019 film wasn’t going to be produced, however, Phoenix and Phillips felt there was more they could do with the character and storyline.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” gained a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with many very ambiguous reactions. Some critics feel as though the movie is a fitting continuation of the Joker story, but others feel like this sequel is an extreme disappointment compared to the glory of the last one.
Due to the violence and nudity, the film has been rated R, but that is no different from the previous film which also had a restricted rating.
With the success of the first “Joker” movie, the new film is being held to very high standards. While fans are excited for the release, the pressure of living up to its predecessor could make this movie either a huge hit, or a massive flop.