‘Joker: Folie à deux’: Why the Musical direction Divides Fans – And What It Means for the Franchise
The internet exploded with reactions to the first trailer for Joker: folie à Deux, and a notable portion of that discourse centered on one jarring element: it’s a musical. From initial skepticism to outright dismay, many fans of the gritty, psychologically-driven Joker (2019) are struggling to reconcile the shift in tone. But is this a bold artistic choice, a misguided misstep, or something in between? Let’s delve into the reasons behind the controversy, explore the creative vision, and analyse what this means for the future of the Joker universe.
Did You Know? The term “Folie à Deux” itself translates to “madness of two,” hinting at a shared psychological state between Joker and Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga. This directly reflects the film’s narrative focus.
The Initial Backlash: A Disconnect from the Original
The original Joker was lauded for it’s realism,its unflinching portrayal of mental illness,and its deliberate avoidance of typical comic book movie tropes. It was a character study, a descent into madness, and a commentary on societal failings. Many viewers felt the musical format fundamentally clashes with that established tone. as one Reddit user succinctly put it, “I lost hope when I read ‘musical.'”
Pro Tip: Before dismissing the musical aspect entirely, consider the historical precedent. Musicals have often been used to explore dark and complex themes, offering a unique lens for emotional expression.Cabaret and Sweeney todd are prime examples.
The criticism isn’t just about the genre itself. The concern extends to the use of pre-existing songs – a “jukebox musical” – rather than original compositions tailored to the narrative. This feels especially jarring to some, as it diminishes the artistic integrity of a film aiming for a serious, psychological impact. As another commenter noted, the reliance on existing tracks feels like a departure from the first film’s deliberate and focused storytelling.
Understanding the Creative Vision: Todd Phillips’ Explanation
Director todd phillips has defended the musical direction, framing Folie à Deux as a different kind of movie altogether. He’s described it as a “love story” and emphasized the influence of classic musicals like Singin’ in the Rain and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. This isn’t intended as a direct sequel in the same vein as the first film, but rather an exploration of the relationship between arthur Fleck (Joker) and Harley quinn within a heightened, theatrical reality.
Phillips has also stated that the musical numbers aren’t constant, but rather emerge organically from the characters’ emotional states. This suggests a deliberate integration of song and dance into the narrative, rather than arbitrary insertions. The choice to cast Lady Gaga, a proven musical powerhouse, further reinforces this intention.
Did You Know? Lady Gaga co-wrote one original song for the film, offering a creative contribution beyond her acting and singing roles. This is a key detail differentiating Folie à Deux from a purely jukebox musical.
Beyond the Songs: Concerns About Narrative and Pacing
Though, the musical element isn’t the only source of apprehension. Some viewers are worried about the film’s narrative direction. One Reddit user expressed frustration that the movie seems to be focused on Joker “feeling bad” about his actions, rather than exploring new territory. The concern is that folie à Deux might become overly self-referential, dwelling on the legacy of the first film rather of forging its own identity.
Furthermore,there’s a sense that the film lacks stakes. Reports suggest that no one dies in the movie (until a brief moment near the
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