One of the most highly anticipated films of 2024 is Joker: Folie à Deux. The sequel to the billion-dollar film sees the return of Todd Phillips as the director and Joaquin Phoenix as the title character. The biggest addition to the series is Harley Quinn, with Lady Gaga stepping in as the infamous villain this time around. Thus far, an official synopsis for the sequel has yet to be released. There hasn’t been much revealed about Joker: Folie à Deux except for a couple of on-set photos that looked pretty good. Until now.
Though there’s limited info about the upcoming DC film, the teaser finally gave us a better perspective on what the upcoming DC film will be like. The only missing part is that we didn’t particularly get much of the musical aspect that’s been heavily touted. That part is a big departure from the origin story of the “Clown Prince of Darkness”.
This major shift in genres and the addition of an Oscar nominee should get many fans excited for something truly bold and original. In addition to the Phoenix and Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Brendan Gleeson, and Catherine Keener will star in Joker: Folie à Deux. Here are the top five moments of the sequel.
We Use Music To Make Us Whole
I’m not big on the musical aspect. That part seems to contradict the themes and tone of the first film. That said, I like that it’s an important component of Joker’s life. Given the teaser presented, Folie à Deux has kept the themes and tone of the first film but has masked it under the guise of the musical aspects. What parts are real or fake? The musical numbers seem to play into the delusion that Joker displayed in the first film.
I love that the focus remains on Arthur’s mental illness. Todd Phillips wisely didn’t shy away from the subject and seems to be adding a new layer to the complex topic. Music seems to be Joker’s escape, and though this could all change once we see the musical numbers in the film, the idea of combining music and eccentric characters like Harley Quinn and Joker could end up being a genius one.
I Haven’t Done Anything In My Life Like You Have
Arthur and Harley’s meet-cute is intriguing for plenty of reasons. Todd Phillips made it clear before the first Joker that the character isn’t based on any comics. That seems to carry over to Harley Quinn’s origin story here. The character is usually portrayed as a highly intelligent doctor who was manipulated and then abused by Joker. The duo is the very definition of a toxic relationship. Here, Harley seems to be patient with Arthur as well.
Another deviation from the comics is that has unlimited opportunities. How do we know that Harley isn’t the manipulative one this time around? Or maybe she’s just as twisted and deranged as Arthur? It could be funny seeing Joker and Harley being the modern-day version of Bonnie & Clyde. Lady Gaga is a talented actress and I know she can bring the best out of the character. It’ll be fascinating to watch how Todd Phillips brings the classic DC villain to life in his world.
What Has Changed Arthur
Joker became a monarch for the oppressed in Gotham City. He was a symbol for the 99% who feel used and abused by the system, and the cause of the mass chaos that resulted in the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents. This teaser seemed to further dive into Joker’s newfound celebrity—various imitations who want to cause chaos and havoc around the streets of Gotham City. Steve Coogan’s character asking what’s changed is a narrative that allows us to understand how different the world of Gotham is. And it allows Joker to flex his muscles on how he can outsmart the suits at Arkham Asylum. That simple scene focused on the plight of Arthur, and how he inspired a nation for all the wrong reasons.
I’m Not Alone Anymore
I want to marvel over how stunning the art direction and cinematography is. The credit goes to Lawrence Sher, who nicely plays with the color palette to give you visual clues to what’s going on. Joker: Folie à Deux keeps the blue and gritty style that maintains the look of Gotham City. It also highlights the sad and deteriorating state of Joker’s world.
That color palette is softened anytime Joker and Harley are together. The dance and musical sequences have eye-popping visuals that never take away from the grittiness of Gotham City. Instead, it adds a temporary light to such a dark and cold world. And the set design is top-notch. You can see that the $200 million spent on this film went into the elaborate set pieces that feel fantastical. Every shot is carefully constructed and Joker: Folie à Deux is shaping up to be one of the best visual masterpieces of 2024.
I Want To See The Real You
Speaking of amazing shots, the final image of Joker getting into the frame to match the smile lipstick Harley drew is simply brilliant. I love that the main focus in the teaser is the dynamic of Harley and Joker. Of course, this trailer could mislead us and the film subverts our expectations, but the teaser has done a tremendous job of documenting the importance of their love and the introduction of Harley Quinn. While I’m still nervous about the musical aspects of Joker: Folie à Deux, this teaser only heightened my anticipation for the upcoming film.
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