The highly anticipated sequel to 2019’s Joker, titled Joker: Folie à Deux, was expected to spark similar acclaim to its predecessor, which won Joaquin Phoenix an Academy Award and earned over a billion dollars at the box office. However, early reviews and scores for the sequel have been surprisingly low, leaving many fans and critics questioning what went wrong.
Here’s a closer look at why Joker: Folie à Deux might not be hitting the same high notes and what factors could have contributed to its lukewarm reception:
1. High Expectations from the Original
The first Joker film was a cultural phenomenon. It struck a nerve with audiences by blending elements of psychological drama, social commentary, and comic book origins. This gave fans lofty expectations for the sequel. While high expectations can often be a burden for any follow-up, Joker 2 has the added challenge of being a sequel to a film that redefined the genre. Many viewers may have been anticipating a similarly groundbreaking story, and the sequel might not have lived up to the pressure of repeating the magic.
2. Shift in Tone and Genre
One of the most significant changes in Joker 2 is its shift in tone. Early reports confirmed that the sequel would have a musical component, a stark departure from the gritty, noir-inspired atmosphere of the first film. With Folie à Deuxtranslating to "Madness of Two," the film leans into Harley Quinn’s (played by Lady Gaga) relationship with Arthur Fleck, shifting the story toward a more fantastical direction.
While the idea of a musical may be artistically ambitious, it can be jarring for audiences who fell in love with the darker, more grounded portrayal of Joker. Some fans might be put off by the drastic shift, resulting in lower scores. The experimental nature of the film might appeal to a niche audience but fail to resonate broadly, contributing to divisive reactions.
3. Over-Familiarity with the Character
Since the original Joker, we've seen more and more iterations of the Joker character, from Jared Leto’s portrayal in Suicide Squad to Barry Keoghan's brief appearance in The Batman. Although Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker was highly distinctive, the character has been heavily utilized in media over the past few years. By the time Joker 2 arrived, audiences might be experiencing "Joker fatigue," where the novelty has worn off.
Additionally, Joker was a standalone film, which added to its allure. Expanding it into a franchise could dilute the original’s uniqueness and make the character less compelling for some.
4. Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn: A Bold, but Risky Casting
Lady Gaga is undoubtedly talented, with standout performances in A Star is Born and her music career. However, stepping into the shoes of Harley Quinn, a character beloved by comic book fans and previously portrayed by Margot Robbie, comes with enormous expectations. While Gaga brings her own flair, there’s always the risk that her portrayal won’t satisfy all audiences, especially given the shift in style. Some fans may find it hard to adjust to this new take, contributing to divided opinions and lower ratings.
5. The Political and Social Commentary Feels Forced
Part of what made the first Joker film so impactful was how its political and social commentary seemed to organically grow out of the story. The struggles of Arthur Fleck reflected real-world issues, like mental illness, wealth disparity, and societal indifference. In the sequel, some early reviewers have noted that the commentary feels more forced, as if it’s trying too hard to replicate the success of the first film without the same subtlety. This can come across as preachy or hollow, diminishing the impact the film might have otherwise had.
6. Pacing and Plot Structure Issues
Another criticism that has emerged is the pacing of Joker 2. Musicals rely heavily on rhythm and pacing to balance story and musical numbers. If the pacing feels uneven or the plot lacks the intensity and tightness of the first film, audiences could become disengaged. Early reviews mention that the film struggles to maintain the balance between musical fantasy and psychological drama, leading to a disjointed experience.
7. Audience Disconnect with the Musical Aspect
The decision to turn Joker 2 into a musical is one of the boldest creative choices for the film. However, it’s also proving to be one of the most polarizing. While some viewers may appreciate the ambition and artful risk of blending musical elements with a psychological character study, others might feel the approach detracts from the gritty realism that made the original so compelling. For a film about a notoriously dark character, the musical elements might feel too whimsical or tonally out of place for certain fans.
8. Box Office
Folie à Deux has underperformed at the box office compared to its predecessor. While the first Joker movie made over $1 billion globally, the sequel opened to just $37.8 million domestically. Its global earnings as of now are around $119 million, which is far below expectations given its massive $200 million budget.
What are your thoughts? Why do you think the film didn’t perform as well, both critically and commercially? Feel free to share!
Comments