Joker: Folie à Deux Review – Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s Musical Gambit Misses the Mark at Venice Film Festival 2024

A Disorienting Dance of Madness: Why the Highly Anticipated Sequel Fails to Hit the Right Notes

Venice, September 2024 – The anticipation surrounding "Joker: Folie à Deux," the much-hyped sequel to 2019’s critically acclaimed "Joker," was palpable as it made its debut at the Venice Film Festival. The film, which promises a unique blend of psychological thriller and musical, had high expectations to meet. Unfortunately, while the film boasts stellar performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, it ultimately struggles to harmonize its ambitious elements.

Todd Phillips returns as director, once again steering the chaotic ship of Gotham’s most notorious villain. This time, however, Phillips ventures into uncharted waters by infusing the narrative with musical numbers, a departure from the grounded and gritty tone of the first film. The gamble was bold: to weave the disturbing tapestry of Arthur Fleck's descent into madness with the extravagant and often whimsical elements of a musical. The result, however, feels more like a discordant symphony than a well-composed score.

Phoenix and Gaga: A Dissonant Duo

Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, the man behind the Joker's grin, bringing his signature intensity and vulnerability to the role once again. Phoenix's portrayal remains one of the film's few constants of quality. His ability to delve into the depths of Fleck’s psyche continues to be both haunting and compelling. However, his performance is somewhat overshadowed by the film's larger-than-life ambitions.

Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn, a role she takes on with her characteristic flair. Gaga’s vocal performance is impressive, and she brings a certain magnetism to the character. Yet, her transition from a charismatic pop star to a deeply troubled character is jarring. The musical numbers, while occasionally striking, often feel shoehorned into the narrative rather than seamlessly integrated. The contrast between Gaga’s larger-than-life musical moments and Phoenix’s more restrained portrayal creates an unsettling imbalance.

The decision to incorporate musical elements into the "Joker" universe was a daring one. The film’s score, crafted by composer Hildur Guðnadóttir—whose work on the original "Joker" earned her an Oscar—attempts to blend traditional orchestration with more modern, musical theater influences. While there are moments where the music heightens the tension, many of the sequences feel forced, lacking the organic integration needed to make them resonate. The film's choreography and musical numbers, though visually striking, often detract from the narrative rather than enhancing it.

The overarching storyline attempts to explore themes of duality and delusion, reflecting the film’s title. Yet, this exploration becomes muddled as the film juggles its conflicting genres. The narrative’s focus on the chaotic relationship between Fleck and Quinn—enhanced with musical interludes—frequently collapses under the weight of its own ambition. Instead of elevating the psychological depth of the characters, the musical elements often feel like a superficial embellishment.

"Joker: Folie à Deux" arrives with a promise of innovation and creativity but ultimately struggles to find its rhythm. The film's attempt to blend psychological drama with musical theatrics results in a disjointed experience. While Phoenix and Gaga deliver memorable performances, their talents are not enough to overcome the film’s structural shortcomings.

As the credits roll and the last notes fade, "Joker: Folie à Deux" leaves viewers with a sense of what could have been—a tantalizing yet ultimately dissonant experiment that, despite its high-profile stars and ambitious vision, falls short of capturing the complex harmony that made the original film a standout.

"Joker: Folie à Deux" arrives with a promise of innovation and creativity but ultimately struggles to find its rhythm. The film’s attempt to blend psychological drama with musical theatrics results