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Greetings from Daily Strange!
In this review, we dive into a profound exploration of Todd Phillips’ two Joker films: the 2019 Joker and its follow-up, Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), which arrived five years later. Although set within the same universe, these two films embody contrasting visions, each rich with unique themes, character studies, and aesthetics. In the first film, we witness Arthur Fleck’s tragic transformation into the Joker as he struggles as an outcast in the bleak streets of Gotham. In the second, Joker emerges as a theatrical figure, reigning over a world of his own creation, turning darkness into his personal stage.
Warning: Contains Spoilers! ⚠️
If you've watched both films or don’t mind spoilers, get ready to dive into this in-depth analysis!
Warning: Contains Spoilers! ⚠️
Arthur Fleck's Decline and Social Alienation
Todd Phillips’ Joker films present two vastly different worlds within the same universe. The first film portrayed Arthur Fleck’s tragic journey through Gotham’s grim streets as he gradually became the Joker, while the second introduces Joker as a theatrical icon commanding his own stage. Together, these films highlight Joker’s versatility, presenting him as both a symbol of social rebellion and a complex individual icon.
The 2019 Joker followed Arthur Fleck, a lonely man pushed to society’s edge, who was slowly drawn into the Joker identity within Gotham’s merciless and dark atmosphere. Gotham’s every decaying building, shadowed alley, and somber ambiance mirrored Arthur’s inner torment. Joaquin Phoenix’s remarkable performance vividly captured Arthur’s alienation from society and his increasingly isolated mental state, drawing the audience into his internal collapse. Arthur’s uncontrollable laughter became a painful echo of his trauma, symbolizing the deep rejection he felt from society. This laughter reflected his solitude and the neglect he experienced, pushing him toward the Joker persona as both a shield and an escape from his inner turmoil.
Phillips pulled viewers into Arthur’s shrinking world through tight shots and dark tones, using Hildur Guðnadóttir’s melancholic score to heighten the bleak atmosphere. Each step drew Arthur closer to his Joker identity as Gotham’s hopeless and oppressive ambiance deepened his inner conflict. The film delivered a powerful critique of societal pressures and personal breakdown, capturing Joker’s emergence through a stark social lens.
Anarchy and a Theatrical Joker on the Edge of Arkham Asylum
Joker: Folie à Deux explores Arthur’s Joker identity from a completely different perspective. Here, Joker has left behind the chaotic streets of Gotham to rule independently in the sterile, claustrophobic environment of Arkham Asylum as a theatrical figure. In this setting, Joker transitions from an anarchist symbol to an artist, creating a unique aesthetic expression on stage. He is no longer a figure challenging society, but rather a character existing within his own rules, presenting a form of artistic performance. Arkham’s sterile backdrop allows Joker to shine as an independent character rather than a symbol of rebellion.
Phillips emphasizes Joker’s theatrical realm through wide angles and static camera work, granting the character a commanding stage presence. Every move Joker makes now becomes a form of artistic expression, and in this aesthetic world, Harley Quinn merely complements his persona as a shadow. Lady Gaga’s theatrical portrayal of Harley is ornamental within Joker’s world; her character lacks depth, serving merely to enhance Joker’s aesthetic domain.
Musically, Guðnadóttir’s score plays a supportive background role for Joker’s theatrical structure. Rather than reflecting internal conflicts, the music underscores the stage performance. This detachment from societal connections redefines Joker as an individual artist and aesthetic figure. He becomes a character who, within his unique aesthetic world, sets and performs by his own rules.
This thematic shift is also reflected in Joker's dance scenes. In the first film, Arthur’s dance on the steps of Gotham symbolized rebellion. As he danced on the narrow, dirty staircase to "Rock and Roll Part 2," he felt free for the first time, challenging society. However, in Joker: Dual Madness, Joker’s dance loses its rebellious undertones. His performances with Harley Quinn symbolize artistic freedom within his individual aesthetic world. Joker no longer appears as a figure defying society; he’s now a character who expresses himself on stage as an individual artist.
Joker: Folie à Deux elevates Joker by stripping him of his societal ties, presenting him as an individual and stage artist. He transitions from a figure of rebellion on Gotham’s streets to an independent character within the sterile walls of Arkham Asylum. In this world, Harley Quinn serves only as a complementary part of Joker’s theatrical aesthetic. The film portrays Joker as an icon reigning on stage while sidelining his societal context and critical depth. In the first film, Joker, rejected by society and ultimately transformed into a symbol of rebellion, connects more weakly yet aesthetically with viewers as an artistic performer within his own realm.
Obsession and Destruction: Joker and Harley’s Dark Journey
Joker: Folie à Deux presents a universe where Todd Phillips brings Joker and Harley Quinn together at the extreme edges of love and madness, right in the heart of chaos. In this film, love transforms into a dark dance where traditional boundaries are completely broken, and obsession merges with destruction. Phillips skillfully draws the audience step by step into the darkness, using somber tones, grotesque (repulsive yet mesmerizing) details, and meticulously chosen mise-en-scène elements to bring viewers closer to the cracks in Joker's mind.
From the very beginning, Phillips shapes the twisted relationship between Joker and Harley with an artistic touch, presenting bold scenes aimed at exposing the destructive side of love. When Arthur's chaotic mind merges with Harley Quinn's vulnerable spirit, a dangerous chemistry develops between them that could lose control at any moment. As Harley embraces Joker’s madness, he uses her obsession as a source of power. At this point, the audience witnesses the most destructive form of love: a deep codependency arises between the two, but instead of healing them, this dependency drags them toward inner annihilation.
However, it’s hard to ignore that Harley Quinn's character sometimes fades next to Joker, lacking the expected emotional depth. In Joker's dark world, Harley’s place feels more like a decorative (aesthetic completion) element that’s not fully explored, making it difficult to truly feel the chemistry between the two characters. The intense inner conflict and obsessive energy Phillips aims to capture in Joker and Harley's shared scenes occasionally remain superficial. In many scenes, while the destructive bond between this duo and Harley's obsessive love for Joker hold the potential for deeper drama, the occasional superficiality of the narrative prevents the film's most powerful scenes from truly shining.
Phillips’ passion for artistic risk and experimentation makes the film both bold and open to criticism. Although the director's attempt to shape the story as a striking psychodrama is commendable, these artistic ventures sometimes cause the meaning to scatter throughout the film. At times, Phillips pushes experimentation to the limit, creating moments that weaken the dramatic structure. For example, in certain dialogues or scenes emphasizing Harley's attachment to Joker, viewers seeking greater emotional depth may find themselves missing the intensity they expected.
While the film's dark and complex atmosphere reflects Phillips' daring directorial vision, it pulls the audience into the journey between obsession and destruction in Harley and Joker’s love. Harley Quinn’s relationship with Joker is presented as a dangerous attachment that transcends the boundaries of love, creating one of the most extreme examples of “toxic love” in cinema. Harley’s descent into Joker's madness and her passionate surrender to it offer viewers a striking visual and emotional experience. However, the lack of full exploration into the complexity of the characters prevents the psychological depth of this relationship from fully resonating. Harley remaining only as an accessory in Joker's world leads to the dramatic weight of the relationship feeling incomplete.
Joker: Folie à Deux shows, nonetheless, that a dark love story can leave deep marks in the audience's mind. While Phillips’ artistic risks aim to offer a different experience, these efforts are both the film’s strength and its weakness. Although the dark atmosphere Phillips creates in Joker and Harley’s relationship draws the audience in, the occasional failure to achieve dramatic depth hinders this dark love story from reaching a more intense expression. Yet, the risks Phillips takes successfully present a tragic love story that goes beyond conventional romance, leaving an impression as a bold and unique narrative pursuit.
What you are about to read invites you into the crushing darkness of a prison cell, with Joker trapped behind cold bars, tangled in an unforgiving web, and buried within the oppressive walls of courtrooms. As the scene slowly unfolds, Gotham morphs from a mystery filled with secrets at every corner into an endless nightmare, marked by traces of decaying souls. Arthur’s footsteps echoing through the asylum pull the city down into an abyss with every step he takes. Gotham is no longer just a city; it becomes the shattered mirror of Arthur’s fractured soul, a deepening reflection of the void within him.
This slow unraveling moves through the shadows of an unseen nightmare: the chaos in Arthur Fleck’s mind becomes entangled like a spider’s web with the decaying heart of Gotham. Where does this story begin, and where does it end? Is it truly Arthur’s story, or is it a dark illusion that Gotham shares as well? Is the answer hidden in the depths of the unknown, or does a storm just below the surface call us into an even deeper abyss?
Harley Quinn and Joker... two lost souls nailed into the darkness. Are they each other’s completion, or their destruction? Here, love is a distant echo, an unattainable dream. Is Harley’s desire a mirage, or a whisper lost in Joker’s madness? The scene offers no answers, only intensifies. Is it better to be trapped in the dream, or to awaken from it? Which brave soul will dare to seek an answer?
An asylum under harsh lights... Arthur’s face begins to emerge from the shadows, like a forgotten tragedy. As the camera draws closer, the weight of his loneliness rises like a symphony. What lies behind the Joker mask? How heavy is this mask? Is it real, or are we all fragments of an illusion?
Is Harley Quinn’s world adorned in bright colors a trap, or a mask for a larger illusion? As the tension rises, the boundaries of logic and reason blur. Are these Joker’s games? Do the scenes from which even the music cannot escape echo the entrapment reverberating within Arthur’s mind?
Critics and viewers are divided. Questions multiply. Is Phillips dismantling the Joker myth and dragging the audience into the depths of an illusion as well? What did we expect from this film? Or was the truth right before our eyes? Perhaps the reality was hidden in those dark depths, and we only managed a fleeting glimpse.
The journey begins here. In the mad dance of Harley and Joker, the faint whisper of a lost reality echoes. But this disappearance is not the echo of love, but of madness. The truth is there; yet, by the time you realize it, it might already be too late.
The Poetic Dance of Opposites: Opening Scene
The opening scene of Joker: Folie à Deux draws the viewer into an illusion, starting with the lightness of an ordinary comedy, only to soon pull them into the darkness of Arthur Fleck’s world. Here, Todd Phillips aims to break the audience’s defenses by using the power of contrasts. The film opens with the cheerful and absurd tones of Looney Tunes, creating an instant sense of safety for the audience. However, the unsettling depth lurking behind this smile foreshadows a journey filled with clever transitions, meticulously crafted by Phillips. The absurd tone of Looney Tunes acts almost like a “MacGuffin,” a false clue, softening the viewer while creating a sudden contrast with the darkness that lies beneath.
Phillips uses this scene as a mask, bringing a kind of “false equilibrium” to the characters’ world. The intense darkness that follows the absurdity merges with Gotham’s gloomy atmosphere and Arthur Fleck’s fractured mind, creating a cinematic shock effect. This abrupt shift warns the audience of what’s to come, highlighting the themes of “light and shade” within Joker’s world. Arthur’s internal conflict is etched into the viewer’s mind from the first moments of this scene, transforming the boundaries of absurdity into a deep tragedy, leading the audience from a humorous moment into a universe of horror.
As Phillips transitions from a humorous opening to such intense darkness, he masterfully utilizes cinematic tools. His compositional style stands out here; when Arthur Fleck’s face is cloaked in shadows, the interplay of light and dark represents his duality—both the pain hidden behind the laughter and the collapse beneath the absurd world. This scene reminds us that Joker is more than a figure of chaos; he is a profound tragedy that society has pushed to the margins. The “dualism” in Joker’s opening scene instantly unsettles the audience; the shift from absurdity to tragedy, from laughter to horror, is a poetic reflection of Joker’s internal turmoil brought to the screen.
While Phillips intertwines Gotham’s grim and ominous texture with Arthur’s mental chaos, he doesn’t merely tell a story; he invites the audience to become part of this world. The deep shadows of Gotham blend with Arthur’s shattered soul through the carefully crafted mise-en-scène, turning the viewer into a participant in this dark universe. When Arthur’s face emerges amid Gotham’s dim lights and shadows, each frame becomes a meticulously constructed visual metaphor, reflecting Joker’s multilayered identity.
In this scene, Phillips’ use of “juxtaposition” serves as a fundamental element that strengthens Joker’s internal conflicts. The naïveté of Looney Tunes, offered as a moment of fleeting joy, quickly dissipates as the impending darkness reveals the temporary nature of this illusion. This duality engraves itself into the audience’s mind, presenting Joker not only as a figure of chaos but as an unresolved mystery filled with deep pain. Phillips’ poetic harmony of opposites transcends Joker, transforming the intense conflict underlying this character into an artistic metaphor.
As Gotham’s misty, somber streets intertwine with Arthur’s fractured spirit in this opening scene, the audience is invited not merely to watch but to become a figure within this darkness. Phillips’ mastery in using contrasts subtly reflects Joker’s multifaceted and complex nature. Every scene is like a perfect blend of aesthetics and horror; each frame emerges as a part of the character’s fragile structure and internal conflict. The “visual poetry” Phillips creates in defining the world of Joker and Harley Quinn reveals that Joker is not only an anti-hero but a poetic figure of chaos who crafts his own unique universe.
The powerful dramatic transition of this opening scene etches Joker’s deep and unresolved identity into the viewer’s mind from the very beginning. The sharp transitions within this aesthetic arrangement pull the audience into Joker’s dark world, placing them right at the heart of the chaos and contradictions within Arthur’s mind. Phillips’ skill in aligning contrasts with aesthetic harmony transforms Joker’s internal conflicts into a cinematic masterpiece, presenting each frame as a unique visual metaphor.
A Gothic Tragedy: Arthur's Inner Collapse
Joker: Folie à Deux transforms Arthur Fleck’s inner collapse into a gothic tragedy, turning it into a cinematic shadow play. Each decrepit street of Gotham is infused with a dark tone, echoing Arthur’s wounded soul; the city becomes a reflection of his inner turmoil. Todd Phillips uses Gotham's cold and bleak atmosphere as a mise-en-scène that aligns with Arthur’s deteriorating mental state. This visual setup pulls the audience into the depths of Arthur’s mental breakdown, making them more than just mere observers.
The eerie creak of the metal bars in the asylum resonates like a mournful lament within Arthur’s fractured soul, reaching out to the audience. These sounds serve as diegetic elements, revealing the mental cracks within the character’s psyche. The metallic creak provides hints to Arthur’s lost soul, with each echo intensifying the fractures within him, becoming a sort of background music to his tragic journey. By threading the delicate details of gothic aesthetics into Arthur’s weakening spirit, Phillips drags the audience into the very heart of Arthur’s tragedy.
Phillips presents Arthur’s madness through the lens of a cold, detached perspective. This choice deliberately keeps the audience from empathizing too closely with the character; Arthur, through this distant narrative, becomes a grotesque monument—a figure society has marginalized. Arthur’s isolation and mental decline unfold as a visual irony, evoking horror yet fascination. Gotham’s decayed interior mirrors Arthur’s tragedy, and Joker’s emergence as a product of society’s deep-seated fractures only strengthens his tragic path.
Watching Arthur’s inner collapse through this gothic lens, his madness becomes both tragic and repellent. Phillips constructs Arthur as a symbol of society's decay, allowing him to reach the audience as an alienated figure. Arthur’s dramatic loneliness and conflict with society portray him as both a freak and a tragic figure. This duality draws the viewer in while also keeping them at a distance, cementing Joker as both a gothic icon and a tragic symbol.
As Phillips gradually turns Arthur into an internal icon, he creates a character that exposes Gotham’s rot. Arthur rises as a tragic hero, with his madness and isolation becoming a societal critique. Gotham’s decay is intertwined with Arthur’s personal destruction, placing his mental breakdown at the center of this tragic narrative.
The Poetics of Metaphors and Gothic Themes
In Joker: Folie à Deux, Todd Phillips transforms the isolated and unsettling atmosphere of Arkham Asylum into a manifestation of Arthur Fleck’s fractured mind, transcending its role as a mere psychiatric hospital. Arkham Asylum is a meticulously crafted metaphor by Phillips, symbolizing Arthur’s mental chaos and social exclusion—a cold universe of stone and steel. This labyrinth, more than just a hospital, becomes a stage for the deepening of Arthur’s internal wounds, the fading of his identity, and the echoes of his descent into madness. Every wall and corridor here is constructed as a step closer for Arthur to confront his inner darkness.
Phillips invites the audience into this gothic atmosphere by blending Arkham’s narrow corridors, heavy stone walls, and the coldness of steel with Arthur’s fragile mind. These cold textures give form to Arthur’s unspeakable pain, his repressed fears, and conflicts that threaten his reality. Every footstep echoing through the walls becomes a reflection of the deep cracks within Arthur’s soul; it’s as if the stone walls carry Arthur’s inner screams, the tragic whispers of his subconscious. Using diegetic sound elements, Phillips turns Arthur’s suppressed cries into a melody echoing within the cold walls of Arkham.
This gothic structure becomes a cold cocoon around Arthur’s mental state; every clink echoing within Arkham reveals the melodrama of a soul trapped behind bars. Each iron bar becomes a concrete symbol of Arthur’s surrender to madness, a physical reflection of his inner struggles. Every corridor, every narrow passage marks a further step in his separation from society, as Arkham becomes not just a prison but a “theater of madness.” This space shapes itself as the stage of his internal turmoil, with Arthur becoming a player who loses himself more the harder he tries to find himself.
Phillips frames Arkham not merely as a mental hospital, but as a gothic metaphor through which he explores the abyss of Arthur’s mind. Every wall of this labyrinth symbolizes Arthur’s internal conflicts; here, we hear the echoes of his lost soul. Arkham transforms into a character in Arthur’s descent into madness. Each passage becomes an allegory, a sharp representation of the psychic disintegration of an individual abandoned by society.
Arthur’s footsteps echoing through the cold stones transform Arkham into a theater encased in his madness. Every shadow reflects a piece of Arthur’s fragile identity, inviting the viewer to join this internal journey. Phillips weaves Arthur’s personal destruction into the bleak atmosphere of Arkham, drawing the audience not just into a hospital but into the depths of Arthur’s fragile soul. Beyond the stone walls and narrow corridors, Arthur’s presence as an unsolved mystery and tragic icon forms the core of this tragic journey.
Arthur’s footsteps echoing through the cold stones transform Arkham into a theater encased in his madness. Every shadow reflects a piece of Arthur’s fragile identity, inviting the viewer to join this internal journey. Phillips weaves Arthur’s personal destruction into the bleak atmosphere of Arkham, drawing the audience not just into a hospital but into the depths of Arthur’s fragile soul. Beyond the stone walls and narrow corridors, Arthur’s presence as an unsolved mystery and tragic icon forms the core of this tragic journey.
Harley and Joker: A Love Lost in the Whispers of Darkness
This story is neither a love adorned with roses nor an expression of peaceful devotion; the path Harley Quinn and Joker find themselves drawn to is a dark dead-end, an alluring and inevitable imprisonment. Two souls stare into the same abyss with equal passion; one clings to the other’s shadow, and together they disappear within it. This love is an echo of wounds that have festered for a lifetime, of blood that continues to flow from the deepest scars. Joker: Folie à Deux draws us into this unavoidable love, inviting us to witness Harley and Joker’s story as they spiral in shadows, bathed in a deadly beauty.
In Joker's arms, Harley thinks she finds herself, but each glance, each touch, tears a piece from her soul. This isn’t love; it’s the desperate grasp of souls trapped within a whirlpool. The more Harley loses herself in Joker’s eyes, the more she loses all that she is. What Joker offers isn’t love, but a shadow cast into the darkest pit of his soul, an inward-burning flame. It is a ritual dance with no escape, a doomed ceremony.
"You complete me." — Joker
This line may seem like a confession of love, but it harbors an insatiable hunger that will never be fulfilled. For Joker, Harley isn’t a complement; she is an illusion that only deepens his emptiness and magnifies his chaos. As Harley seeks a fragment of peace within Joker’s world, she is slowly consumed, becoming a shadow that fades away in his darkness. Despite Joker’s claim that she “completes him,” he carves even deeper scars over her existing wounds. Joker envelopes Harley in his chaos, leaving her alone on the darkest path a soul can walk.
With every step, Harley thinks she’s drawing closer to Joker, but this only leads her deeper into the chasm Joker has opened. Here, love is an illusion, a wordplay; Joker both claims her and pushes her away, pulling her a step closer only to cast her a hundred steps back. Harley wishes to find herself in Joker’s hands, yet she disappears more with every touch. Whatever love once meant is slowly erased with each contact.
"This isn’t love, it’s just a game." — Harley Quinn
This realization is the cry of a woman trapped in Joker’s chaotic world. The web Joker has spun around her symbolizes neither warm love nor a safe haven; here, love is a game that opens new wounds with every gaze, every touch. For Joker, love is a reflection rising from the deepest, darkest wells of the soul, an endless journey through profound chaos. The more Harley tries to break free from this bond, the deeper she finds herself drawn, because for Joker, “love” is a kind of obsession—a dagger that carves the deepest wound.
While Harley searches for meaning in Joker’s cold world, she is merely a guest in it. Joker, though seeming to possess her, turns her into a distant stranger with every touch, every word. This is love at its darkest, most twisted—a game sculpted by destructive and blind passion.
"You think this is love? It’s chaos!" — Joker
For Joker, love is the mask of his inner chaos. As Harley seeks a safe harbor in him, what Joker offers her is only the bottomless depths of his own soul. No matter what Joker presents as love, each step, each word only pushes Harley further into the abyss. What he offers is far from the secure waters of love; here, love is a flame doomed to burn out. Harley fights against this game, but she knows that with every touch, she loses a part of herself. In Joker’s world, love is merely a game, a captivating and merciless reflection of destruction.
With each step she takes after Joker, Harley loses a bit more of herself. Here, love becomes a mask she wears; yet behind this mask lies only ruin, pain, and disappointment. Joker draws her in, leaving deeper scars with every touch, and Harley becomes lost within these wounds.
"You can’t save me. I’m already too far gone." — Harley Quinn
The more Harley tries to save Joker, the more she realizes she’s lost within her own darkness, consuming her own existence along the way. Joker gazes mockingly at Harley’s hope, and with each word he extends, Harley drifts further from herself. This love is no salvation, but a sorrow, a descent where two souls cling to one another and dissolve together.
For Joker, Harley’s efforts are merely a form of entertainment; each struggle, every attempt to escape only traps her further within his grasp. This relationship isn’t love; it’s an intertwined fantasy, an illusion. Lost in Joker’s illusion, Harley leaves behind her own reality. She accepts slowly fading away in Joker’s cold hands, in a dream woven with disappointments.
"In the end, you and I, we’re just the same." — Harley Quinn
In Joker’s shadow, Harley searches for a love she can never fully grasp. The emptiness hidden in Joker’s darkness pulls her in, engulfs her. Though Harley wants to let go of her obsession with Joker, her own existence dissolves within the depths of this vortex. In Joker’s world, love transcends affection, becoming a duel of inevitable destruction where two souls gaze at each other only to confront their own wounds.
This tragic bond between Harley and Joker echoes not love, but annihilation; Joker imprints himself on Harley with every whisper, every touch, slowly consuming this love. This relationship is a ritual where two broken souls, clinging to an abyss mistaken for love, progress toward their own ruin. Joker: Folie à Deux echoes this deep love like a lament—a mesmerizing and inescapable tragedy where two souls, in a dark tale, destroy themselves in the act of existing.
Loneliness in the Shadow of Justice
When Arthur Fleck faces Gotham’s decayed justice system, the cold, unyielding walls of the courtroom bear silent witness to his inner collapse. Here, the promise of justice gives way to a mocking emptiness; for Arthur, justice is far from salvation, instead a ghost that confronts him with the worthlessness of his existence. The harsh coldness of the courtroom erases his last ties to humanity, leaving no trace of connection to society. This atmosphere marks the moment he is branded not just as a criminal, but as a devalued shadow that Gotham scorns and wants to forget.
In the courtroom, Arthur’s silence becomes the scene of his final hope’s dissolution. His decision to dismiss his lawyer is not only a vulnerability but a rejection of his identity, an act of defiance. This choice reveals that Arthur no longer holds any hope for understanding or acceptance; he has severed his societal ties. By saying no to his lawyer, he shows that society never accepted him, and he has now fully embraced the role it imposed upon him. In the courtroom, his refusal to defend himself echoes as a rebellion against both society and the justice system.
Under the judge’s stern gaze and the jury’s indifferent expressions, Arthur’s faith in the superficial impartiality of justice is utterly shattered. The courtroom, cloaked in the illusion of justice, turns into a hollow word in Arthur’s mind. Amid the flowing black robes, the cold eyes of judgment remind him of his isolation and the disregard society holds for him. In this crowd, Arthur becomes more than a criminal; he is a shadow society wishes to forget, a figure erased from memory. To him, the faces in the courtroom are no longer human, but mere symbols of his social isolation and marginalization.
Standing alone within the gray walls of justice, Arthur observes Gotham’s false idealism and the shallow structure of its justice system through his inner collapse. In this cold setting, rejecting his lawyer is not just a choice; it’s the final severing of his last ties to humanity. Here, he’s not just a defenseless figure in the courtroom; he is also embracing the fact that society will never accept him. For Arthur, the justice system is no longer a hope for salvation, but a stage that deepens his loneliness and erases the traces of his humanity.
In the shadow of justice, as Arthur chooses to remain without a lawyer, he takes a final step toward his Joker identity. This moment signifies Arthur’s complete severance from society’s values. Under the harsh lights of Gotham’s corrupt justice system, Arthur no longer defends himself but accepts the role of a criminal imposed by society, burying his humanity in darkness. This scene symbolizes his irreversible journey into his Joker persona.
The feeling of loneliness and worthlessness drives Arthur toward the dark force within, pulling him into the Joker identity. For him, justice is no longer a hope or salvation but a reality that has turned its back on him. In the somber atmosphere of the courtroom, the idealized face of justice deepens Arthur’s inner isolation, cutting him off from society entirely. In that cold courtroom, Arthur’s humanity echoes against the gray walls of justice, vanishing in the process.
Arthur has now embarked on an irreversible path. Each moment in the courtroom is a sign that his ties to humanity are severed and societal acceptance is no longer within reach. Behind the stern, impartial mask of justice, Arthur’s story reveals that no hope remains for him, only a cold and dark future awaits.
Joker’s Anarchic Philosophy and Legal Contradictions
In Joker: Folie à Deux, Arthur’s decision to dismiss his lawyer and defend himself during the trial marks a bold expression of his transition into the Joker persona. This scene challenges Gotham’s corrupt justice system and society’s established values, symbolizing the character’s inner transformation. However, Arthur’s choice also creates a profound contradiction with the fundamental principles of the American legal system, sparking a thought-provoking tension.
According to the Sixth Amendment, every defendant is guaranteed the right to a fair trial and legal representation. This principle is especially critical for defendants with mental health issues. Under Section 330.10 of New York’s Criminal Procedure Law (CPL), it is legally unacceptable for a defendant with mental health problems to defend themselves without a lawyer. Given Arthur’s severe psychological issues, representing himself is not only legally invalid but contradicts the system’s functioning.
Arthur’s radical choice serves as a powerful dramatic device symbolizing his transition to the Joker identity. However, a character like him, who is experiencing a mental breakdown, being permitted to defend himself without legal support weakens the realism of the courtroom scene. Though Arthur’s self-representation embodies his acceptance of the Joker identity and ultimate rejection of society, this legal oversight disrupts the scene’s dramatic narrative. In a real legal system, especially for someone with questionable mental stability, self-defense would not be permitted; thus, while the scene maintains its dramatic weight, it falls short in legal accuracy.
Arthur’s isolation in court appears to be a significant step in his transformation into Joker. This moment is the ultimate rebellion of a man who has lost his faith in justice, finding meaning only within his own chaotic world. However, the omission of this legal detail leaves the critique of the justice system shallow while supporting Joker’s anarchic philosophy. This contradictory situation strengthens the film’s anarchic themes but leaves the critique of the legal system somewhat underexplored.
Arthur’s journey toward the Joker persona is presented as a protest against society’s mask of justice. However, the film’s incomplete critique of this theme weakens the power of anarchic philosophy, distancing the narrative from deeper meaning. While Arthur’s decision to sever his societal ties leaves him defenseless in his final rebellion, the lack of legal realism overshadows the story’s credibility.
This contradiction underscores Joker’s chaotic quest and distrust of the justice system, exposing the shortcomings behind the cold, distant mask of justice. Arthur’s hatred toward society and the law accelerates his transition to the Joker identity, portraying his rebellion as a mere expression of chaos for the audience.
A Decayed Gotham and Legal Violations
Arthur’s appearance in court in full Joker makeup and costume is one of the film’s most striking moments in terms of symbolism. This scene acts as a direct challenge to Gotham’s corrupt justice system, presenting Arthur as a figure who has fully alienated himself from societal norms and embraced the Joker identity completely. This moment, symbolizing his complete transition into Joker’s chaotic and anarchic world, visibly expresses his inner battle against society’s values. Yet, from a legal standpoint, this scene also reveals a series of violations and contradictions.
According to New York’s Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) Section 260.20, a defendant is required to attend court in appropriate and neutral attire. This rule prohibits defendants from disguising or masking their identity with symbols or makeup, as such elements can undermine the court’s authority and the impartiality of justice. Arthur’s appearance in Joker makeup and costume provides a symbolic satire on Gotham’s corrupt judiciary; however, the lack of reaction or intervention from the judge weakens the dramatic impact of the scene and causes a detachment from legal reality.
While this portrayal allows Arthur to criticize Gotham’s decayed justice system and societal injustice, the court’s tolerance of this scenario may pull the audience away from the scene’s credibility. Though allowing a defendant to appear this way does reveal the absurdity and decay of Gotham, the portrayal of the judiciary as so permissive takes away from the narrative’s depth. Arthur’s presence in court dressed as Joker risks losing its symbolic power by disregarding the gravity of the legal system.
Though Arthur’s court appearance in Joker attire effectively demonstrates the absurdity and corruption within Gotham’s justice system, the divergence from legal realism causes this symbolic statement to lose depth. Ignoring fundamental principles such as impartiality and decorum in court may present a strong critique of the system’s functioning, yet the scene’s believability and dramatic effect diminish as it strays from reality.
In attempting to expose Gotham’s decayed justice system and societal collapse, Phillips risks detaching the audience from the narrative’s reality by overlooking legal details. While Arthur’s appearance in Joker costume is intended to reveal Gotham’s chaotic atmosphere and justice’s dysfunction, this portrayal of an unrestrained court weakens the film’s overall narrative impact.
Distorted Justice and Errors in Witness Examination
Arthur personally cross-examining witnesses in court stands out as a glaring violation of the basic principles of the American legal system. Under Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) 611(b), witness questioning is limited strictly to the case at hand, and personal or irrelevant questions are prohibited. However, Arthur disregards these regulations, directing personal and unrelated questions at witnesses. While this choice serves to heighten dramatic tension in the scene, the lack of legal accuracy weakens the scene’s credibility, causing the audience to feel the narrative drifting from reality.
In legal practice, the authority to cross-examine witnesses is reserved for attorneys; it is highly problematic for a defendant, especially one with Arthur’s questionable mental stability, to assume this role. Arthur’s decision to take charge of the questioning process serves as a symbolic critique of Gotham’s decayed justice system, mocking its corruption. Yet the complete disregard for legal rules undermines the foundation of this critique. Though it appears to criticize the flaws in Gotham’s judiciary, these rule violations weaken the scene’s emotional depth and impact, causing it to lose credibility.
Throughout the film, Arthur consciously disregards legal boundaries while questioning witnesses. This choice, intended to emphasize Arthur’s anarchic stance against Gotham’s corrupt justice system, also highlights his discord with societal systems. Arthur’s rebellious stance towards Gotham’s justice reflects his chaotic personality and transition into the Joker identity. However, the extreme lack of legal accuracy ultimately weakens the thematic critique, causing the scene’s dramatic tension to fall short of its potential impact.
The distortions in the witness examination scene aim to underscore the dysfunction and bias within Gotham’s justice system, but the departure from realism reduces the narrative’s strength. While the scene emphasizes Arthur’s anarchic nature and progression towards the Joker persona, the absence of legal authenticity causes the narrative to remain a surface-level critique, unable to fully resonate with the audience.
A Theatrical Courtroom Parody
When Arthur Fleck enters the courtroom, challenging Gotham’s corrupt justice system in full Joker persona, the space that should serve as a sanctuary of justice transforms into a stage in his hands. Wearing his iconic makeup and colorful Joker attire, Joker turns his back entirely on Gotham’s rules and norms, choosing to champion only his anarchic philosophy. Todd Phillips reveals Gotham’s deep-rooted decay and the superficial nature of justice through Joker’s theatrical takeover of the courtroom.
Every step Joker takes into the room is captured in low-angle shots, making him appear both menacing and defiant. The bright light on his face, bursting among the cold gray walls around him, casts him not only as a defendant but as an anti-hero displaying himself in the heart of Gotham’s justice system. Joker’s bold entrance visibly conveys his disdain and anger towards Gotham’s corrupt judiciary.
Leaning towards the witness with a mocking glint in his eyes, Joker asks in a cold, calculated tone, “Have you ever lived a life of constant humiliation?” His face bears a frozen sneer as he watches the witness struggle to respond. The sneer and tense smile on Joker’s face draw the viewer in, the line itself echoing Joker’s resentment for the cruelty and lovelessness society has shown him.
Turning to the judge, he raises his voice and challenges, “Are you even capable of judging me?” Joker’s question openly displays his contempt for the judiciary, while the judge’s cold, impassive face intensifies the viewer’s empathy for Joker. The close-up shots alternating between the judge’s indifferent expression and Joker’s intense hatred turn the courtroom into his stage, where he mocks society’s rules. Here, Joker becomes not only a criminal but a reflection of society’s corruption and the hypocrisy within the justice system.
Joker’s questioning of witnesses reflects his deep resentment toward the judiciary and the law, though this scene also highlights legal contradictions. In American law, defendants do not possess the right to directly question witnesses; this privilege is exclusively granted to attorneys. Joker’s decision to dismiss his lawyer and take charge of his own defense violates the principles of the American legal system. Under the Sixth Amendment, defendants are guaranteed the right to fair trial and legal representation, especially in cases involving mental health issues. Joker’s role in the courtroom scene forms a powerful visual metaphor for Phillips’ portrayal of Joker’s anarchic spirit and rage against Gotham’s broken justice system, despite straying from legal accuracy.
This courtroom scene reflects Gotham’s decayed justice and superficial judiciary system. Phillips transforms Joker’s inner turmoil into a performance, blending his chaotic nature with his disdain for the judicial system. Yet, the lack of legal realism diminishes the scene’s dramatic effect. By creating a theater within the courtroom to underscore justice as a mere illusion, Joker offers a harsh critique of Gotham’s decayed values; however, the detachment from legal authenticity slightly dampens the scene’s impact.
A Moment of Transformation
Arthur Fleck’s attempt to renounce the Joker persona in the courtroom is depicted as a powerful critique of the masks imposed by society and the distortions within the justice system. In the first film, the Joker identity gave him power, a space for rebellion; in the sequel, he realizes this identity has become a heavy and suffocating shadow. The confrontation in the courtroom becomes central to the film, not only as a part of Joker’s journey but also as a crucial element in Arthur’s own process of self-discovery.
Every detail symbolizing Arthur’s struggle to strip away the Joker persona in court is meticulously crafted cinematically. The camera’s close-ups reveal even the slightest changes in Arthur’s facial expressions, while deep focus emphasizes the cold, gray courtroom in the background, presenting Gotham’s decayed justice system as harsh and unyielding. Arthur’s desire to abandon the Joker persona offers him both a sense of personal redemption and a more authentic stance in his struggle against society. However, Gotham’s corrupt structure is too powerful to let him easily escape this identity.
This scene also represents the symbolic collapse of Gotham’s justice system. Although the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a fair trial, Arthur is left without representation, exposing the hypocrisy within Gotham’s justice. Arthur’s quest for individual freedom is lost within the restrictive structure of this system, which reflects the sickness of Gotham’s social fabric.
One of the film’s most striking moments, the courthouse explosion, is not merely a building’s destruction but a symbolic rebellion against Gotham’s corrupt justice. Arthur Fleck’s transformation into a legend through his Joker persona critiques not only the justice system but also all of society’s hypocritical values. The low-angle shot used in this scene elevates Joker, portraying him almost as a folk hero. This iconic moment, framed by dramatic shadow play and dark lighting, further highlights Gotham’s moral decay. The silence following the explosion brings the viewer closer to Arthur’s inner turmoil and Gotham’s societal chaos, allowing them to feel the dread and chaos behind this anarchic act.
Arthur’s abduction from the courthouse after the explosion symbolizes the turning point where Joker begins to be seen as a folk hero. He is no longer just a member of society but now seen as a figure of rebellion against its twisted face. His abduction becomes the ultimate critique of the justice system, laying the groundwork for Joker’s role as an anti-hero in the social order. Arthur’s escape toward the staircase in this chaotic setting symbolizes his complex relationship with the Joker persona. In the first film, the stairs symbolized Joker’s power and freedom, but here they create a paradox: though Arthur wishes to escape the Joker persona, the stairs become a symbol of his separation from society.
The camera’s use of a long shot in this scene further emphasizes Arthur’s loneliness and indecision. The stairs become a symbol of the desire to find freedom in the Joker persona, yet they turn into a dark corner that pushes his search for liberation into isolation.
Soul-Stirring Shadows
Arthur Fleck’s renunciation of the Joker persona offers a profound critique of Gotham’s decayed justice and social corruption. In the first film, Arthur found power and freedom in the Joker identity; in the second, he realizes that this persona has actually become a shadow that darkens his existence, a heavy burden on his soul. Todd Phillips masterfully portrays the gradual unraveling of Arthur’s complex relationship with his Joker persona. What once appeared as defiance and liberation is now a chain Arthur longs to escape. Every mask, every laugh, makes Arthur’s inner emptiness and existential pain all the more visible.
Phillips’ camera frames Arthur in the courtroom as if he were a portrait, with close-ups focusing on the deep conflict in his eyes and his desire to break free from the Joker persona. The camera dramatizes the clash between Arthur’s wish to abandon the Joker identity and the reality that he may never be free of it, using the gray walls of the courtroom as a stark backdrop. Gotham’s corrupt justice system appears like a cold prison, thwarting Arthur’s efforts at self-discovery.
This courtroom confrontation is not only a personal search for transformation for Arthur but also a defiance against Gotham’s hypocritical values. Although Arthur’s attempt to give up the Joker identity is presented as a quest for personal freedom, Gotham’s sickly structure suffocates this effort. Phillips uses chiaroscuro lighting and deep focus in this scene to evoke the sense of power Arthur once felt with the Joker persona and the weight it now imposes on his soul.
At this point, Joker’s anti-establishment presence reaches its climax with an explosion in the courtroom, becoming his most powerful critique of Gotham’s justice and hypocritical order. The low-angle shot used here presents Arthur as more than just a character—he becomes a symbol of resistance against Gotham’s structure. The silence following the explosion starkly reveals the embedded chaos within anarchy and Gotham’s moral collapse. In this moment, Arthur’s Joker persona becomes more than a rebellion; it ascends to myth, transforming into legend.
In the ensuing chaos, Arthur’s abduction from the courthouse reflects Gotham’s need to confront everything it has tried to evade. Arthur is no longer just an individual; he embodies the truths society refuses to face, becoming a figure who reveals the hypocrisy of Gotham. While Joker emerges as a figure of defiance against Gotham’s sickly structure, Arthur’s abduction symbolizes this resistance. Through the Joker persona, Arthur mirrors the contradictions and voids Gotham avoids, turning Joker into a mirror that exposes Gotham’s internal decay.
Arthur’s escape toward the staircase amid chaos gains both cinematic and thematic depth. In the first film, the stairs represented Joker’s freedom and power, but in this scene, they symbolize Arthur’s struggle to break free from the Joker persona. The use of a long shot here emphasizes Arthur’s isolation and severed social ties. This escape, while a step toward individual freedom, also hints at tragedy. With every step, he feels the burden of the Joker identity—a paradox that marks his quest for freedom as an inescapable trap.
Gary Puddles: Friendship Among Gotham’s Downtrodden
In the first film, Joker (2019), we see a Gotham where human connections and friendship have almost entirely dried up. Gary Puddles, however, represents a rare friend who offers Arthur a small measure of reassurance. While most people around Arthur bully him, turn their backs on him, or ignore him altogether, Gary’s friendly and protective approach preserves the last shred of humanity in Arthur’s soul. Physically disadvantaged and quiet by nature, Gary shows his loyalty to Arthur. When Arthur faces ridicule at work, Gary is there to support him. In one scene, when Arthur’s loneliness is painfully visible, Gary looks at him and says, “You know, buddy, I won’t leave you alone,” allowing us to see traces of trust in Arthur’s face for the first time.
Even as Arthur begins his transformation into Joker, Gary remains a symbol of innocence in his mind. In the iconic scene where Arthur, with gun in hand, is brimming with deadly rage against his coworkers, Gary stands in a corner with frightened eyes. In that moment, Arthur’s face softens, and he turns to Gary, saying gently, “Get out of here, Gary. I’m not gonna hurt you.” Even in his Joker persona, Arthur’s kind treatment of Gary shows that Joker, too, respects a genuine bond. Gary’s innocence and unwavering friendship form a boundary in Arthur’s mind, a line he cannot cross.
The second film, Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), portrays Arthur’s return, fully embracing the Joker persona and positioning himself as a figure in defiance of Gotham’s corrupt justice system. In a courtroom scene, Gary appears as a witness during Arthur’s critical trial as Joker. The courtroom is cold and tense; while Arthur, wearing an emotionless Joker mask, stands silently, Gary is the only familiar face among everyone present. At that moment, Joker’s otherwise indifferent gaze meets Gary’s.
With hurt and surprise in his eyes, Gary finally speaks: “Arthur, have we really come to this point?” Arthur, adopting the cold calmness of his Joker persona, gives him a slight smile and says sarcastically, “Why so surprised, Gary? We’re all wearing masks, aren’t we?” The helplessness and tears on Gary’s face show his fading hope of seeing the friend he once knew, a hope that dies with each passing moment.
During the trial, Gary turns to Arthur and speaks again, this time with an even more vulnerable voice: “This isn’t you, Arthur. You helped me… you protected me. Are you really hiding behind all this?” Joker, with the arrogance that comes with his new identity, responds with a laugh, “That old Arthur is dead, Gary. Now there’s only Joker. And Joker doesn’t hide behind anything.” The words reverberate in the courtroom; Joker’s complete erasure of his past, leaving behind all human connections and friendships, is imprinted on the audience’s mind as well.
Gary’s presence in the courtroom at this critical moment exposes that Arthur has fully assumed the Joker persona, leaving behind every human bond and friendship. Gary’s last desperate gaze reflects his attempt to connect with whatever humanity remains in Arthur, but to Joker, this is nothing more than a shadow. In that moment, Gary tries to reach out to the human side of Arthur, but Joker has transformed him into a completely solitary figure. Through this scene, Gary stands as the last representation of all human connections lost in Arthur’s transformation into Joker. This friendship is now only a memory, another human remnant lost on Arthur’s journey. Todd Phillips powerfully illustrates how even in Gotham’s dark world, a friendship can fade and disappear, showing Arthur’s ultimate solitude as he erases every trace of the past, leaving behind all human bonds in his embrace of the Joker identity.
The “Trump” Effect of Thomas Wayne
In the first film, Thomas Wayne emerged as a symbol of Gotham's deep class divides. In Todd Phillips' Joker (2019), Wayne became almost an embodiment of all corruption within the city—a figure distant yet whose influence was profoundly felt by Arthur. His portrayal as a "Trump-like" figure vividly illustrated the detachment of Gotham's wealthy elite from society and how this elite class remained utterly indifferent to the city's most destitute. The insinuation that Arthur could be Thomas Wayne's son further underscored the chasm between rich and poor, redefining the city not just as a center of chaos but as a stage for class and moral conflict. While Wayne represented Gotham’s glamorous facade, Arthur embodied its forgotten, lonely, and neglected side. By intersecting the paths of these two characters, Todd Phillips presented a striking critique of Gotham’s socioeconomic gulf.
In the first film, Wayne’s arrogant and aloof demeanor exposed the indifference of Gotham’s wealthy towards social justice. Arthur’s hatred for the Wayne family stemmed from their embodiment of an elite class alienated from the rest of society. Wayne’s condescending glances toward Arthur intensified his anger towards Gotham’s corrupted justice system and sharpened the societal motivations fueling Arthur’s transformation into the Joker. In this context, Thomas Wayne’s impact on Arthur helped his personal downfall become emblematic of class struggle. As Arthur transformed Gotham’s class conflicts into personal tragedy, Todd Phillips used Wayne’s character to question an elitism disconnected from the public's issues.
However, in the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), the profound effect of Thomas Wayne is left behind. In this continuation, Arthur steps out from the shadow of the Wayne family, embarking on a deeper journey into his own madness. Without the presence of Thomas Wayne, Arthur’s story shifts from Gotham’s class wounds to a more personal chaos. This shift prepares the narrative for a portrayal of Arthur’s tragedy as a more personal story rather than a societal critique. Now, Arthur is no longer seen as a victim of Gotham’s social decay but rather as a character exploring the oddities of his inner world through the Joker persona. This change somewhat weakens the narrative’s critique of Gotham’s class divides and injustice.
With Arthur’s embrace of the Joker persona, the story moves away from a societal perspective and into the cold, lonely walls of Arkham Asylum. The absence of a powerful figure like Thomas Wayne casts Gotham’s sociopolitical framework in the shadows, making Arthur’s personal struggles feel more isolated. Without Wayne’s presence, the critique of Gotham’s corrupted justice system also fades, and Arthur’s transformation into the Joker becomes more a tale of individual loneliness than a social rebellion. This absence causes Gotham to become a hollow symbol, detached from its societal context.
Joker: Folie à Deux distances Arthur’s journey from societal critique with the absence of Thomas Wayne; the film deepens the individual tragedy while avoiding Gotham’s internal conflicts.
The Absence of the Wayne Family: Gotham’s Hidden Truth
In the first film, presenting Bruce Wayne as a child created a glimmer of hope for Gotham's future amidst its darkness. The potential conflict between Arthur’s transformation into the Joker and Bruce’s eventual identity as Batman reflected Gotham’s deep and irresolvable moral dilemma. In that initial encounter, Phillips hinted at a conflict that would define Gotham’s future by juxtaposing Arthur’s unsettling presence with Bruce’s innocent purity. The possibility that Bruce could grow to challenge his father’s elitist, exclusionary values hinted at a balance in the city, maintained by two opposing forces: justice and chaos. Bruce’s pursuit of justice in the midst of innocence created a powerful bridge between Arthur’s personal tragedy and Gotham’s societal wounds, examining Gotham’s moral decay more deeply. The potential opposition between Arthur, as the chaotic force of the Joker, and Bruce, who would later represent order, painted the city’s fundamental struggle.
However, Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) entirely excludes the Wayne family from the narrative, erasing this rich and complex connection. Without the Wayne family, Gotham becomes merely an arena for Arthur’s personal conflicts. Phillips’ choice here seems to prioritize Joker’s internal contradictions over exploring Gotham’s social and moral complexities. But this decision causes Gotham to be perceived as a city solely defined by individual stories. Without the symbolic weight of the Wayne family, Gotham loses a strong figure to represent its quest for justice and corrupted structure, leaving Arthur’s rage feeling superficial. Although other characters like Harvey Dent attempt to fill this void, Dent’s character fails to capture the depth of Gotham’s moral and historical conflicts.
With the Wayne family removed from the narrative, Gotham becomes an arena solely for Arthur’s personal chaos, and the city’s moral fabric grows shallower. The absence of a potential connection between Bruce Wayne and Arthur Fleck disconnects Gotham’s complex, dark history from the richness of the DC universe. Gotham, without the Wayne family, becomes trapped in a narrative of individual collapse, lacking any broader social resonance. The absence of Bruce, especially as a symbol of potential hope within Gotham’s contradictions, makes Arthur’s loneliness and inner struggles feel isolated from Gotham’s larger societal chaos.
Without signs of the legacy Bruce Wayne will eventually carry, the significance of Joker’s chaos against Gotham’s structural decay diminishes. Thus, Joker: Folie à Deux confines Arthur’s story within a narrower scope, distancing it from Gotham’s moral and social conflicts; the absence of the Wayne family reduces Arthur’s tragedy to a personal collapse rather than a deeper impact on the city’s struggle between justice and chaos.
Harvey Dent and Gotham’s Two-Faced Justice
In Folie à Deux, Harvey Dent appears as a two-faced figure within Gotham’s corrupt justice system. Although he presents himself as an idealistic, just figure—a beacon of legal righteousness in the eyes of the public—the truth is far darker. Behind Dent’s clean exterior lies hidden alliances and corruption deeply entrenched within Gotham’s justice system. Dent represents the moral contradictions and hidden structures that Gotham conceals from the public. Though he appears as the face of justice, Dent is a powerful symbol of conflict and hypocrisy in Gotham’s darker side.
Arthur Fleck’s confrontation with Dent in court, in his Joker persona, reveals one of the film’s most powerful moments of stripping away Gotham’s mask of false justice. In a mocking tone, Arthur asks Dent, “Whose justice are you really serving, Dent?” This question exposes the rot within Gotham’s justice system for the audience. Dent’s position as a symbol of justice is nothing more than a cog in a structure fueled by power and interest; by confronting these contradictions, Joker positions himself not only as an anarchist but also as a critic standing against the system’s biggest irony.
Phillips, while developing Dent’s character, reflects Gotham’s corrupt side not in one frame but through subtle details that suggest Dent’s idealistic appearance conceals his complicity in the city’s rot. During Arthur and Dent’s confrontation, the camera frequently employs close-ups to highlight Dent’s “face of justice” as a mask. When Arthur’s anger collides with Dent’s internal conflict, the depth of Gotham’s “justice” as a dirty facade becomes more palpable. This moment briefly unveils the truths hidden behind Gotham’s justice veil, emphasizing that Dent is merely a figure wearing this mask.
Each mocking question Arthur poses to Dent exposes the extent of hypocrisy in Gotham’s figures of “hope.” Although Gotham regards Dent as the face of justice, this confrontation reveals him as a lie. Arthur’s Joker persona becomes the voice of rage against this system, allowing viewers to sense his disgust with the false justice of Gotham. Folie à Deux could have delved deeper into Gotham’s justice system through this encounter, but Dent’s character remains superficial here, limiting a broader critique of Gotham’s corruption.
Arthur’s role in confronting Gotham’s justice system positions him not only as an individual rebel but also as a figure exposing Gotham’s simmering contradictions. Dent’s image as an ideal figure in the public eye reveals Gotham’s profound moral contradictions. Had Dent’s conflicting nature been explored more deeply, Joker’s defiance could have become a societal and moral reckoning, exposing Gotham’s fraud under the guise of “justice” more strikingly.
Despite being seen as a beacon of hope in Gotham, Dent’s false portrayal of justice enhances Arthur’s stand against him in his Joker persona. Arthur’s criticism of Dent brings Gotham’s corrupted view of justice into sharper focus, while deepening Dent’s inner conflict would have further questioned Gotham’s contradictory nature.
If Phillips had based this critique of Gotham’s justice more strongly on Dent, Arthur’s struggle as Joker could have resonated beyond individual collapse, becoming a societal uprising against Gotham’s corrupted elite. However, failing to fully reveal Dent’s internal conflicts and Gotham’s hidden truths behind justice keeps his character superficial, and limits the critique of Gotham’s justice system. This leaves Joker’s role in Gotham as less of a trigger for societal awakening and more a tale of individual descent.
In this context, Dent misses the opportunity to fully symbolize Gotham’s decayed structure, and Joker’s stance against the false “justice system” does not echo widely. Although Arthur’s ironic hatred for Dent represents his rage against Gotham’s dirty, contradictory system, strengthening Dent’s foundation could have made this narrative more impactful.
In conclusion, although Harvey Dent is presented as a significant character symbolizing Gotham’s rotten order and two-faced justice system in Folie à Deux, the lack of depth in his contradictions prevents the film from exploring Gotham’s corruption on a broader scale. By reinforcing the social framework around Dent’s character, Joker’s struggle against Gotham could have been more meaningful, offering a more striking critique of the city’s double-faced order.
Debra Kane and a Comrade’s Silent Rebellion
In Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), Debra Kane emerges as a seemingly simple yet profoundly complex symbol of resistance within Gotham’s brutal reality. Living a silent struggle for survival in the city's lower depths, Debra’s life becomes a quiet companion to Arthur’s dark transformation into the Joker. In a city filled with social contradictions, Debra’s fight for survival echoes all the lost souls confined to Gotham’s “forgotten” category.
Debra is a figure lost in the back alleys of the city, pushed to society’s blind spots. Yet, to Arthur, this solitary woman represents a comrade, a shadow of the past, and a reflection of internal conflict. As Arthur becomes the Joker, he finds glimpses of himself in her eyes—the only person who has never lost faith in him amid a cruel fate. Trapped within Gotham’s dark machinery, Debra reminds Arthur of the rigid boundaries imposed upon him, both socially and personally.
Arthur’s trial scene, where he stands coldly before the court in his Joker persona, is a scathing critique of Gotham’s hypocritical justice system. As he looks into the familiar faces in the courtroom, he catches Debra’s tired yet vulnerable gaze. This gaze rekindles a memory of his past human frailties. Among the crowded room, Debra’s expression still holds a trace of hope, representing a shadow of Arthur’s lost humanity.
In this moment, Arthur—concealing himself behind his Joker mask—gazes at her with a mocking expression and speaks in a cold tone:
Joker: “Do you really think you can find justice in this courtroom, Debra?”
This question reflects the Joker’s deep disappointment with Gotham’s system and his view of justice as a mere illusion. Seeing the helplessness in Debra’s eyes pushes Arthur further into his darkness; for him, seeking hope or goodness from society is now a futile endeavor.
Debra responds with a quiet resilience, her voice weary yet her gaze still filled with determination:
Debra: “Do you think we ever had another choice, Arthur? Justice was always just a dream for us.”
Debra’s reply lays bare the illusion of justice in the lives of Gotham’s lower class. Arthur sees her sorrow and resistance but, having fully embraced his Joker identity, leaves no room for any lingering traces of humanity or hope. Debra’s honest response echoes within Arthur’s mind, obliterating any remaining ties to humanity, and Joker’s persona now acts with a cold detachment even toward Gotham’s forgotten victims.
This impactful dialogue behind Arthur’s Joker mask unveils the contradictions hidden within Gotham’s social fabric. Though Debra momentarily reminds Arthur of human values, his Joker persona pushes him to a deeper detachment. He faces her with icy indifference, implying that both justice and hope are but illusions:
Joker: “Gotham never changes, Debra. No one will; justice is just a dream.”
There’s a glimmer of hope still evident on Debra’s face. Even in a city like Gotham, she clings to this fragile hope. Arthur’s gaze wavers slightly upon seeing her expression but quickly extinguishes it. He is now on an irreversible path, wholly submerged in his Joker identity. Debra, a fleeting reminder of humanity in Arthur’s life, brings a brief flash of light that is promptly snuffed out.
Had the film explored Debra’s voice as a deeper critique of Arthur’s Joker identity, it could have more powerfully addressed Gotham’s unjust system. Debra could have woven into Arthur’s internal struggle as a figure challenging Gotham’s contradictory structure. Her presence underscores the missed opportunity to amplify the voice of Gotham’s lower class.
Debra embodies the silenced voices and the ignored, and her presence has great potential to expose Gotham’s rotten foundation. Arthur’s journey as the Joker could have deepened further through Debra’s story. Yet, she remains only an echo within Arthur’s tragedy and fails to fully manifest as a figure revealing Gotham’s societal contradictions.
Sophie Dumond, Gotham’s Fading Hope
In the first Joker (2019) film, Sophie Dumond represented the lone glimmer of hope in Arthur’s life against Gotham’s harsh and cold reality. Amid Gotham’s oppressive atmosphere and mounting despair, Sophie became a rare refuge of warmth and connection for Arthur. When Arthur first encountered Sophie, they shared a brief but profound moment in the elevator. Sophie’s words, “Sometimes I just wish everything would blow up,” captured the hopelessness of those trapped within Gotham, resonating deeply within Arthur. For him, this statement was more than comfort—it was the thrill of encountering someone who felt as he did. Sophie became a figure of escape, someone Arthur could connect with beyond Gotham’s merciless world.
In his mind, Arthur takes this connection even further, merging Sophie’s warmth with his hunger for love. The scenes he believes they share together reveal Arthur’s vulnerability, his deep desire for affection and meaning. Particularly after his failed stand-up performance, Sophie supports him, saying, “It takes guts to get up there.” For the first time, Arthur feels the warmth of genuine interest. Her words offer him a brief reprieve from his shame and loneliness, letting him believe he is not entirely alone.
However, as the film progresses, the revelation that Sophie was never truly a part of Arthur’s life inflicts a deep wound on his world. One day, Arthur visits Sophie’s apartment and finds her staring back at him with shock and fear. When she asks, “Are you in the wrong apartment?” the illusion of his fantasy shatters. Confronting this truth completely destabilizes Arthur’s inner balance. In the first film, Sophie appeared to be the sole human connection keeping him afloat, and the collapse of this illusion became one of the most painful triggers for his descent into the Joker persona.
Upon realizing Sophie was never a part of his life, Arthur’s last link to humanity snaps, accelerating his complete surrender to the Joker. Sophie transforms from a beacon of hope into a symbol of his solitude and mental collapse; Gotham’s dark face shows itself to be so ruthless that even a sliver of hope like Sophie was never real for him.
In Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), however, Sophie Dumond is entirely absent, symbolizing Arthur’s complete immersion in the Joker persona. In the first film, Sophie embodied Arthur’s desire to hold onto life, while in the sequel, her absence signals that he no longer seeks hope or human connection. Arthur’s cold demeanor during his courtroom scene, where he confronts Gotham’s rot through his Joker identity, emphasizes his isolation without a figure like Sophie.
In this scene, Arthur mockingly looks at the judge and asks, “Have you ever thought people were laughing with you, only to realize they were laughing at you?” These words represent the bitter disappointments Gotham has inflicted on him, depriving him of even small lights like Sophie.
Had Sophie remained a source of hope in Arthur’s life, the audience might retain a glimmer of doubt about his complete surrender to the Joker persona. Yet Arthur’s cold expression and merciless demeanor in court demonstrate that Gotham has extinguished any traces of human hope like Sophie, solidifying his isolation as he embraces the Joker. Sophie’s absence deepens Arthur’s inner conflict, underscoring that even in Gotham’s ruthless world, a source of hope cannot survive.
Sophie symbolized Arthur’s vulnerability and longing for love. Her absence in Folie à Deux allows Arthur to fully embrace his Joker identity, transforming him into a figure devoid of all human ties within Gotham’s merciless world. Sophie, the last flicker of humanity in Arthur’s soul, was erased, leaving him irreversibly rooted in his Joker persona and delivering a powerful message of Gotham’s erosion of human connection.
The Dark Descent of Solitude
The stairs… once resonant with triumphant echoes, now open quietly into a bottomless darkness. In the first film, these stones bore witness to Joker’s ecstatic laughter, each step laid with fiery freedom. Each stair reflected Arthur’s descent into madness, the twisted confidence he found in himself. But now, in Folie à Deux, the stairs symbolize a descent, solitude, and perhaps a fate with no return.
His steps are heavy, the stones icy… Every step pulls him deeper, colder, into a bottomless void. The stairs have become a dirge; on their cold surfaces lie the ghosts of the past, now transforming into the dark faces of solitude. Lost hopes… every lost piece of Arthur seems etched into those stones, buried within them.
As Todd Phillips layers the melancholy, Joker’s once-vibrant laughter gives way to a freezing silence, an inward collapse that intensifies with each step. Arthur walks step by step into a grave within himself. Harley… silent, invisible, now cold and indifferent. Joker’s eyes have lost their spark, his form shadowed in darkness; every step echoes the hollow beat of his fractured heart.
Each step… each stone feels like a curse. Each stair lines itself beneath him like a dark dirge. Hope has faded; in the depths of solitude, Arthur’s steps become echoes, traces that disappear into the void. The silent cries of a broken, hysterical man remain imprinted on those stones; with each weighted step, Arthur sinks further, grounding himself deeper into the silence. Phillips crafts this scene like an elegy etched into the stone steps; Joker, walking now for himself alone, finds each step consuming him further. What once resonated as a triumphant march of madness now bears the traces of quiet rebellion, an ending, and isolation.
The Separation from Harley Quinn: From “Mad Love” to Emptiness
In Folie à Deux, the story of Joker and Harley Quinn transcends chaos, becoming a profound expression of solitude reverberating through Gotham’s dark alleys. This is no longer the obsessive “Mad Love” revered in comics; it’s the tragedy of two broken souls plunging further into their own voids, where even the faintest traces of hope have faded. Under Todd Phillips’ vision, this tale is not just love but a heavy witness to collapse and psychological fragmentation. Harley’s departure deepens the chaos within Arthur, stripping away the final remnants of his identity. As Arthur clings to the remaining shards of the Joker’s creative anarchy, he plunges into the infinite emptiness behind his mask.
His separation from Harley dissolves what’s left of the Joker identity, condemning Arthur to the lone echo of his lost soul. Once the symbol of anarchy, Joker now becomes a shadow, fading away in Gotham’s cold and indifferent streets. Phillips transforms Gotham into an empty reflection of Arthur’s shattered soul; the city’s indifferent walls carry his solitude and meaninglessness, witnessing Joker’s descent with cold, gray silence.
This isolation draws Joker into an inner prison deeper than ever before, while Gotham transforms into an arena echoing his despair. Arthur’s once-maniacal laughter now becomes a scream of emptiness; no longer filled with the Joker persona’s joyous anarchy, Gotham’s stones now carry Arthur’s collapsing soul. Each gray wall reflects Joker’s loneliness, and the streets become a maze into which Arthur’s fading shadow disappears. Now, this emptiness fills not with Joker’s laughter, but with Arthur’s dull, hopeless silence; Gotham turns into a city that silently swallows his inner void, cloaking itself in an abyssal darkness.
The Cold Scream of Obsession: Interwoven Control and Madness
The relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn is an echo of terrifying chaos, where obsession and madness are tangled in a dark cycle. While Harley seeks to find her identity in her obsessive attachment to Joker, this bond pulls her into a vortex; she begins to lose herself in the shadows of his dark world. Joker, in turn, manipulates Harley and defines his existence through her, transforming her into a fantasy that sustains and empowers his identity. Todd Phillips presents this twisted relationship to the audience through a cold, tragic lens, emphasizing that their love is intertwined with madness, turning into a storm that erases their identities.
Harley’s entrance into Arthur’s world symbolizes a loss of identity and detachment from society; Dr. Harleen Quinzel dissolves in Joker’s chaotic universe, fading into the echoes of silent obsession. Todd Phillips crafts a cold, tragic narrative of a love rooted not in freedom, but in submission. Harley is drawn into Arthur’s harsh reality, and this obsessive love becomes an illusion that ultimately destroys her.
The oppressive weight of Gotham on its individuals resonates not only within Arkham Asylum’s walls or the courtroom but also in the quiet extinguishing of two lost souls, whose scream rises only to fade silently among the cold stones. In Phillips' hands, this love fades like an illusion, leaving behind fragile and smoky traces of a dream. The story of Arthur and Harley is not one of love but of two souls consuming each other—a mournful whisper that vanishes into endless darkness, echoing off Gotham’s cold walls.
From Social Critique to Individual Isolation
Folie à Deux shifts its focus to Arthur’s internal collapse, pushing Gotham’s socio-political structure and class injustices into the background. While the first film depicted Gotham’s deep class divides and social inequalities through powerful symbols and allegories, the sequel centers on Arthur’s personal tragedy and increasingly profound loneliness. Gotham’s complex, layered fabric turns into an indistinct shadow, with the social texture, political critiques, and the public’s anger toward the unjust system quietly dissipating within Arthur’s isolation.
Gotham’s socio-economic issues and political conflicts take a back seat, as the city is portrayed merely as the backdrop for Arthur’s individual downfall. Gotham’s class structures, the corrupt justice system, and the public’s pent-up quest for justice are glossed over without in-depth exploration. With this new perspective, the narrative abandons a broad social context in favor of individual tragedy, leaving the audience with a sense of the city devoid of symbolic depth. Arthur’s estrangement from society and isolation become lost in Gotham’s decay, trapping the audience in Arthur’s dark, imprisoned world.
Breaking the Joker Myth and Comic Book References
Arthur Fleck’s rejection of his Joker identity stands as a subtle confrontation with key works in the comic universe, like The Killing Joke (1988) and The Dark Knight Returns (1986). In the comics, Joker is the wild avatar of chaos and an anarchic figure challenging Gotham’s order. However, in Folie à Deux, this identity is reinterpreted entirely. Arthur transforms the Joker into a symbol of personal and profound tragedy, stripping it of purely anarchic symbolism. Phillips’s portrayal of Arthur, gradually distancing him from the Joker identity and emphasizing his vulnerability, fragility, and humanity, brings a radical reinterpretation to the Joker mythos.
In the comics, Joker has always been an overwhelming, unrestrained force—a dark mirror that society dares not face. However, Phillips’ Arthur shakes the foundations of this myth. Instead of creating a hellish order within Gotham’s chaos, Arthur is depicted as a figure who lacks the capacity to embody the Joker fully, distant from relentless chaos. His fragility and identity rejection position Joker not as society’s reflection but as the core of a personal tragedy. With this interpretation, Phillips presents Joker beyond mere malevolence, portraying the loneliness and pain of a person cast aside by society, lost in his darkness.
Violence and Blood: Steps Echoing Chaos
As Arthur Fleck walks through the somber corridors of Arkham Asylum, his footsteps carry the weight of years. Once reigning as the Joker in Gotham’s chaotic streets, he is now only a shadow burdened by past pain and the silence of inner collapse. With each step along Arkham’s gray walls, he reveals how a former anarchic king has become a lonely, weakened victim.
Guards approach him, saying in a detached, cold voice, “Visitor for you.” A fleeting softness appears in Arthur’s gaze—a brief attempt to connect with memories of the past and the real world—but it quickly fades. The visit, if only for a moment, offers a tiny glimmer of hope, yet to Arthur, it’s just an illusion. This fragile connection becomes nothing but an echo, hollow and distant.
A prisoner approaches with a mocking smile, saying, “I wrote a joke. Wanna hear it?” Arthur turns to him with an empty gaze, replying lifelessly, “Is it short?” This simple yet sharp exchange lays bare Arthur’s utter detachment from life’s meaning. The transience and brutality of existence echo as an ever-deepening void within Arthur; the moment captures his profound alienation from the world around him.
Phillips uses cinematic tools such as lighting and sound masterfully in this scene to convey Arthur’s imprisonment within an invisible cage. The sound mixing is filled with delicate tones, revealing faint echoes of Arthur’s buried, internal screams. The scene’s cold blue and gray hues shroud it in a melancholic atmosphere, giving physical weight to Arthur’s despair. In every frame, one feels the last remnants of Arthur’s Joker persona fading away.
Joaquin Phoenix’s performance here is haunting. His expression, blank and detached, shows that the Joker’s chaotic energy is gone, leaving only an empty shell. The hollowness and lifelessness in his eyes capture how a figure of anarchy has devolved into the center of his own inner collapse. The former vibrant spark of Joker’s identity has extinguished, leaving behind only a lonely, weakened man.
The prisoner, with a mocking grin, remarks, “Life is short, like your pathetic little laugh.” This bitter jab throws Arthur’s tragic life into stark relief. Phillips disrupts the Joker mythos here, redefining Joker’s twisted humor and chaotic energy as inner collapse and meaninglessness. The old Joker, full of laughter, now appears only as a silent, painful dirge. This scene stands out as one where Todd Phillips subjects the Joker character to profound “character transformation.”
This moment reveals the grotesque caricature that Arthur’s life has become. Through the cinematographer’s use of dark and cold colors, this silent tragedy imprints itself on the viewer’s mind. Arthur’s steps in Arkham now symbolize how a once-chaotic ruler has become the victim of his own tragedy. Phillips crafts the Joker mythos into a cinematic requiem; Arthur’s silent footsteps linger in memory as the echo of Joker’s tragic fall.
Phillips’ Cynical Confrontation: A Radical Look at the Joker Mythos
In Joker: Folie à Deux, Todd Phillips radically disrupts the established view of the Joker mythos. Where Joker once embodied chaos and anarchy, here he is detached from Gotham’s decaying streets and plunged instead into Arthur Fleck’s internal struggles. As Gotham’s chaos, corruption, and terrifying streets fade into the background, the audience is invited into Arthur’s personal tragedy—a journey fraught with disappointment and profound loneliness. In this context, Gotham ceases to be an essential part of the Joker mythos and becomes merely a pale backdrop to Arthur’s inner destruction.
Phillips shifts the Joker from society’s “lord of chaos” to a man’s internal hell, his human frailties, and existential struggle. Arthur steps into and then relinquishes the Joker persona, as Gotham’s overwhelming chaos seems to dissolve in his solitude. Phillips strips away the mythological mask of the Joker, recasting him as “simply a broken man”—not a mere symbol of societal destruction, but a figure filled with internal conflicts and human suffering. This fresh perspective invites the audience to a cynical confrontation with Joker’s deeply human side.
This radical interpretation overturns the iconic traits of the Joker, drawing the viewer into a completely new narrative. In comics such as The Killing Joke and The Dark Knight Returns, Joker appears as “chaos incarnate.” But here, Phillips presents him as a tragic figure condemned to solitude. By dismantling Joker’s familiar nihilistic visage, Phillips offers a profound exploration of human vulnerability. No longer is Joker the symbol of social collapse, but instead a man grappling with his own existence—a reflection of intense internal strife. Phillips redefines Joker not only as “human wreckage” but as a deeper, more jarring portrayal of tragedy, prompting the audience to engage with Joker’s humanity in an unexpected way.
Beyond the Classic Joker Narrative: Individual Tragedy
Joker: Folie à Deux challenges the Joker narrative the audience knows, reversing the mythos of chaos and anarchy. While Gotham’s familiar turmoil and dark spirit are pushed aside, Todd Phillips narrows in on Arthur Fleck’s internal collapse, a tragic journey of solitude and loss. Under Phillips’ vision, Joker sheds his chaotic power, transforming into a figure trapped and lost within his own world.
Gone is the anti-hero who once tore through Gotham. Before us now is a man enclosed, disappearing within his own helplessness. Phillips brings an entirely new lens to the Joker mythos, refusing to leave him as merely a “figure of chaos.” Instead, he delves into Arthur Fleck’s existential crisis, weaving his journey into a story of personal ruin.
Visual and Auditory Dissonance
Joker: Folie à Deux attempts to deepen Gotham's gritty and complex atmosphere and the twisted relationship between Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) and Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga) through musical scenes. Director Todd Phillips seeks to use music as a powerful tool to combine Gotham's dark soul with the inner turmoil of Arthur and Harley. However, the musical structure often fails to complement the dramatic narrative, weakening the emotional connection between the audience and the characters in certain scenes. The visual elements, such as stage design and lighting, struggle to reflect the characters’ internal conflicts, causing viewers to feel distanced from the story.
While the selected songs aim to add depth to Arthur and Harley's psychological states and Gotham's symbolic darkness, the musical structure occasionally undermines the emotional impact of their narrative.
"Ne Me Quitte Pas" – Jacques Brel
Jacques Brel's "Ne Me Quitte Pas" is used to convey Arthur's dependence on Harley and the despair stemming from this attachment. The lyrics symbolize Arthur's inner plea, “Don’t leave me,” while Brel's melancholic intensity underscores Arthur's obsession on a dramatic level. Although Lady Gaga, in her role as Harley Quinn, successfully portrays emotional detachment toward Arthur, reflecting the distance between them, the scene's bright lighting and sterile decor clash with the song's depth, limiting its emotional impact. Harley's indifference fails to convey the full weight of the song’s emotional gravity.
"I Put a Spell on You" – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put a Spell on You" emphasizes Harley's controlling influence over Arthur, pulling him further into her world. Lady Gaga delivers a theatrical and manipulative performance, highlighting Harley Quinn’s power over Arthur. As Harley essentially tells Arthur, “You’re mine,” the musical structure falls short of fully conveying this psychological depth. Despite Hawkins' song’s powerful effect, its inability to fully support the narrative creates a superficial tension in the scene.
"Send in the Clowns" – Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim's classic, "Send in the Clowns," is included in the film to express Arthur's profound loneliness and despair in Gotham. Sondheim's song works as a dramatic lament for Arthur's inner collapse, emphasizing his tragic side. Phoenix effectively showcases Arthur's emotional fragility; however, the sterile appearance of the set fails to support Gotham's dark nature and the character's isolation. The lack of visuals that truly capture Gotham’s chaotic essence limits the music's capacity to reflect Arthur's inner world.
"That’s Life" – Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra's "That’s Life" plays during Arthur's confrontation with society, representing his acceptance of his Joker persona and his ironic outlook toward the world. The line, “I thought of quitting, baby, but my heart just ain’t gonna buy it,” symbolizes Arthur's sardonic confrontation with society’s harsh reality. Phoenix’s sarcastic tone in this scene reveals Joker’s complex nature, yet the lighthearted tone of the music fails to deepen Arthur's transformation, leaving his psychological complexity on the surface.
Gotham’s Decor and Atmosphere in Contrast to the Characters
In Joker: Folie à Deux, Gotham, known as the heart of chaos and corruption, appears as a sterilized city. Rather than offering a powerful atmosphere to underscore Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn's psychological struggles, Gotham is portrayed with sterile white walls, intense lighting, and minimalist decor. This choice might reflect Todd Phillips’ intention to present Gotham as a neutral background for the characters' internal disintegration. However, this “clean” version of Gotham doesn’t align with the city’s chaotic nature or the complex psychological states of the characters.
Critic Peter Travers notes that Gotham “doesn’t feel like enough of a character” in the film, and the sterile appearance fails to convey the psychological turmoil of the characters. Travers suggests that Gotham’s decayed and somber nature should deepen the psychological chaos within Joker and Harley, but the city’s sterile atmosphere prevents the audience from making this connection. While Gotham was expected to intensify Arthur’s mental breakdown, its sterile appearance, resembling a “hospital corridor,” has caught the attention of critics like Travers.
This aesthetic choice makes Gotham feel more like a decorative backdrop than a city integrated with the characters’ inner worlds. The depravity and despair of Gotham could have created a more impactful interaction with the characters' psychological collapse, but the sterile decor fails to convey this intense effect to the audience.
Supporting characters, meant to reflect Gotham’s cold and indifferent face as witnesses to Joker and Harley's inner collapse, struggle to convey their dramatic depth due to the musical structure's pace. Specifically, Dr. Debra Kane (Zazie Beetz), Arthur’s therapist, witnesses his fragility and is supposed to mirror Gotham’s oppressive and dark side. However, the pacing of the musical narrative causes scenes featuring more subdued characters like Dr. Kane to recede into the background.
In an interview, Zazie Beetz expressed, “Dr. Kane is a character who witnesses Arthur’s inner turmoil and reflects Gotham’s cold facade,” noting that the character's depth could have been explored further. Beetz highlighted that the musical format limited the ability to convey the character’s emotional depth. Critic Richard Brody echoed this sentiment, saying, “Characters like Dr. Kane had the potential to reflect Gotham’s merciless nature, but the musical pacing rendered these characters superficial.”
This disconnect weakens the dramatic contribution of supporting characters that underscore Gotham's complexity, hindering the powerful conveyance of the city's decay to the audience. If supporting characters had added more depth to Gotham’s dark atmosphere, the connection between the city and the characters would have felt more intense.
Although Phillips’ choice to narrate Gotham’s bleakness through a musical format seems daring, the dissonance between scenes struggles to offer a cohesive dramatic experience to the audience. Instead of enhancing the characters’ emotional breakdown, the tempo and bright colors of the musical scenes clash with Gotham’s somber nature. Instead of acting as a background supporting Gotham’s chaotic spirit, the city is depicted more as an aesthetic decoration, limiting the ability to fully convey the characters’ inner transformations to the audience.
John DeFore of The Hollywood Reporter comments, “The musical format’s disconnect from Gotham’s depressive and decayed atmosphere weakens the film’s dramatic impact.” According to DeFore, aligning Gotham’s somber facade with the musical narrative would have allowed viewers to dive deeper into the characters’ inner worlds. This disconnection restricts Gotham’s familiar gloomy and twisted nature to a surface-level aesthetic, preventing the psychological complexities of the characters from reaching deeper levels.
A Silent Scream at the Box Office: Joker: Folie à Deux’s Financial Picture
Joker: Folie à Deux has turned out to be a major disappointment for Warner Bros, performing far below box office expectations. Following the global success of the first Joker film in 2019, which broke box office records, it was expected that the sequel would achieve similar success. However, the film grossed only $40 million in its opening weekend in the United States, reaching a total of $121 million globally. Warner Bros had anticipated a minimum box office revenue of $450 million, but the current figures fall far short of this expectation.
The film’s underperformance has been attributed to several factors, including the dissonance between its artistic direction and commercial expectations, as well as the difficulty the audience faced in connecting with its experimental approach. Box Office Mojo and other analysis platforms note that the film’s unconventional musical structure made it challenging to appeal to a broad audience. Although critics praised Phillips’ artistic risk-taking and unconventional style, it failed to meet commercial expectations, sparking debates about the payoff of high-budget artistic risks at the box office.
Film critic Scott Mendelson describes Joker: Folie à Deux as “artistically ambitious but commercially risky.” Mendelson appreciates Warner Bros’ efforts to create a bolder project following the first film’s box office success, but he emphasizes the difficulty of connecting with a wider audience due to the musical structure and slow narrative pacing. According to Mendelson, this issue has come with a significant cost to the film’s commercial performance.
Warner Bros’ Commercial Expectations and Disappointment
After the success of the 2019 Joker film, which grossed over $1 billion, Warner Bros made a significant investment in the sequel with a much larger budget. The doubling of the production budget compared to the first film demonstrates Warner Bros’ expectation of a solid return from the box office. Although the studio prioritizes commercial success with high-budget projects, they took a risk by allowing director Todd Phillips creative freedom.
Box office analysis platforms attribute the drop in performance to Todd Phillips’ unconventional approach. Instead of continuing the impact of the first film's psychological thriller and social critique, Warner Bros opted for artistic depth and a focus on the characters' inner conflicts. This decision is seen as one that made it harder for wider audiences to connect with the film. While the anarchic theme and social critique of the first movie provided an understandable backdrop, the sequel’s musical presentation of Joker and Harley Quinn’s individual collapses was unexpected and challenging for many viewers.
Owen Gleiberman of Variety notes that one of the main reasons for the film’s commercial failure lies in a narrative style that didn’t meet audience expectations. Gleiberman explains that while the portrayal of Joker as a symbol of social conflict and anarchy in the first film was well-received by a broad audience, the sequel’s focus on the character’s internal disintegration made it harder for that audience to connect. According to Gleiberman, Phillips’ new narrative choice struggled to generate the anticipated interest at the box office.
Art or Commercial Success?
Todd Phillips aimed to add a deeper psychological dimension to the Joker character with Joker: Folie à Deux, taking artistic risks that ultimately didn’t yield the expected box office results. Despite Warner Bros' high commercial expectations, the studio’s decision to allow Phillips to pursue his bold artistic vision has been seen as “sacrificing commercial success for art” in the film world. Instead of opting for a safe narrative to appeal to a broader audience, Warner Bros followed a different path by giving room to the director’s creative vision.
Film critic Michael Phillips describes Joker: Folie à Deux as a daring cinematic experiment, but one that struggles to meet the high expectations set for a broad audience. Phillips stated, “Instead of creating a traditional sequel, Todd Phillips chose to tell an artistic evolution of the Joker character. While this may be a valuable choice in cinema, it faced challenges in meeting the expectations of a wide audience in terms of box office success.” This outcome is seen as the cost of artistic freedom in a film that fell short of box office expectations.
The Director’s Final Decision: Will There Be a Third Film or Spin-Off?
Todd Phillips has clearly expressed his intention to conclude his journey within the Joker universe. In an interview with Variety, Phillips stated that he had completed what he wanted to say with Joker’s story in two films and has no plans for a third installment. Phillips is also not enthusiastic about a spin-off for the Harley Quinn character, saying, “I feel I’ve finished my journey in the DC Universe with this film.” This statement underscores Phillips’ decision to limit his contributions to the Joker universe to two films, suggesting that Warner Bros might take more cautious steps with future projects, especially in light of the film’s failure to meet expected box office success.
Reactions Within the Film Industry
Some directors in the film industry have responded positively to the film’s emphasis on artistic risks over commercial expectations. Quentin Tarantino has praised Todd Phillips for his courage in bringing a new psychological dimension to the Joker character, despite the mixed reactions from audiences. Tarantino stated, “Phillips approaches Joker not just as a character but as a symbol of artistic interpretation. This is a major innovation for comic book adaptations.” According to Tarantino, Joker: Folie à Deux pushes the boundaries of comic book adaptations, elevating the genre to an artistic level. However, the inability to translate this artistic risk into commercial success has led some in the industry to label it as “high-cost art.”
Francis Ford Coppola views Phillips’ focus on Joker’s individual tragedy, rather than a symbol of anarchy, as an example of artistic bravery. Coppola said, “This film is a bold artistic attempt to explore the character’s inner world. You may not expect commercial success, but it does an excellent job of portraying the character’s dramatic disintegration.” Despite such praise from Coppola, the film’s failure to meet Warner Bros’ commercial expectations has led it to be remembered as a financial loss within the industry.
Box Office Performance and Industry Implications
Warner Bros' financial loss with the Joker: Folie à Deux project has sparked a debate on whether other major studios may exercise greater caution in taking artistic risks. While high-budget projects generally lean toward safe, broad-appeal productions, the inability of Phillips’ artistic freedom to achieve expected box office success has brought the risk of high-budget art films back into the spotlight in Hollywood.
Industry platforms like Box Office Mojo and Deadline suggest that Warner Bros may pivot toward more commercially aligned, less risky productions after this project. This outcome indicates that film studios might adopt a more cautious approach to investing in artistic freedom. The loss experienced by Warner Bros has ignited an important discussion in the film world on how to maintain the balance between art and commerce.
As the film sparked extensive debate among critics and cinephiles, the failure to meet box office expectations deepened the “art or commerce?” dilemma. Joker: Folie à Deux may have offered a bold aesthetic experience with its artistic choices and character-focused storytelling, but its box office failure has turned it into a major financial burden for Warner Bros. Todd Phillips’ commitment to artistic integrity, at odds with commercial expectations, has sparked a significant discussion in the film world about the costs of artistic risk.
🎞️ Detailed Review and Ratings of Joker: Folie à Deux 🎞️
Creative Contributions of the Performances
Joaquin Phoenix delivered a deeply affecting performance in the first Joker film, portraying Joker with vulnerability, pain, and profound loneliness. Through Phoenix’s strained laughter, Arthur Fleck’s inner wounds and the societal pressures imposed on him became palpable, each laugh conveying a deep sense of desperation and sorrow.
In the second film, Lady Gaga joins Joker’s theatrical world as Harley Quinn, aiming to bring a different dynamic to this performance, yet some viewers found her portrayal comparatively superficial against the intense introspection of the first film. Gaga’s approach to Harley Quinn and her interpretation of the relationship with Joker led some viewers to feel that her character lacked depth, existing in Joker’s world as more of an aesthetic figure. Joaquin Phoenix, even as he transformed Joker into a theatrical figure on stage, successfully conveyed the character’s inner chaos to the audience. Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker persona remained stronger and deeper than Gaga’s take on Harley Quinn.
In-Depth Acting and Character Analysis
While Phoenix and Gaga’s performances in this film aimed to highlight the psychological and emotional dilemmas of the characters, the differences in their approaches are notable. The musical narrative’s theatrical tones underscored the contradictions within Joker’s character, but Gaga’s performance was perceived as shallow by some critics. Harley Quinn, as portrayed by Gaga, existed as a splash of color in Joker’s world, delivering a love story lacking in depth.
Joaquin Phoenix – Arthur Fleck / Joker
Date of Birth: October 28, 1974
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Rating: 8.8 / 10
Joaquin Phoenix is known for portraying characters with deep internal conflicts throughout his career. Recognized for films like Walk the Line and Her, Phoenix made a major impact on the film industry with his role as Joker in 2019. In that first film, Phoenix's Arthur Fleck was presented as a fragile, lonely, and internally chaotic character. His performance not only earned him an Oscar but also became one of the pinnacles of his career.
Technical Analysis and Performance: In Joker: Folie à Deux, Phoenix presents Arthur Fleck’s complete transformation into the Joker, preserving the character’s previous vulnerability but now approaching it with a more theatrical and musical tone. This is achieved through the careful application of method acting techniques; Phoenix successfully conveys every detail of Joker’s inner turmoil through his facial expressions, body language, and gestures. In the dance scenes, he symbolizes an aesthetic anarchy within the character’s dark world. The subtle details in Phoenix’s dance movements reveal the character’s search for freedom and his surrender to the Joker persona. Using method acting to delve into the emotional depths of the character, Phoenix emphasizes both the chaotic and controlled sides of Joker through the theatrical elements introduced by the musical structure.
Standout Scene: In the stairway scene, where music and movement merge, Phoenix brings the character’s desire for self-expression to its peak. His body language allows the audience to feel Joker’s freedom and chaos, making this scene unforgettable.
Memorable Line: “People want me to look in the mirror to figure out who I am, but when I look, I see a stranger.” This line stands out as a powerful expression of Joker’s inner conflict and societal alienation.
Weak Points: While Phoenix’s performance is generally strong, some theatrical elements introduced by the musical tone can overshadow the character’s inner depth. The dramatic nature of the musical parts sometimes feels exaggerated in certain scenes, affecting the emotional intensity of the character.
Overall Performance: Joaquin Phoenix once again brings Joker’s inner turmoil, weaknesses, and pain to the screen in a powerful way. Continuing the striking transformation of Arthur Fleck he introduced in the first film, Phoenix reveals the character’s emotional conflicts with each subtle gesture, stance, and forced laugh he brings to the stage. While adapting Joker’s tragic nature to a musical theme, Phoenix’s addition of a theatrical touch strengthens the character’s dramatic aspect, though some viewers feel that the musical elements occasionally overshadow this depth. Nevertheless, Phoenix’s performance emotionally binds the audience to the character’s detachment from society and his eventual collapse.
Lady Gaga – Harley Quinn (Lee Quinzel)
Date of Birth: March 28, 1986
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Rating: 6.3 / 10
Lady Gaga rose to worldwide fame with her stage performances and musical talent. She made a solid entry into acting with her performance in A Star is Born, for which she was nominated for an Oscar. In Joker: Folie à Deux, the energy Gaga brings to her role as Harley Quinn adds an aesthetic dimension to the character’s complex and obsessive relationship with Joker.
Technical Analysis and Performance: Gaga’s approach to portraying Harley Quinn focuses on bringing out the dramatic aspects of obsessive love. Her theatrical approach establishes a strong foundation for reflecting the character’s madness, fragility, and deep attachment to Joker. However, some critics find that Gaga’s theatrical approach falls short in adequately conveying the character’s emotional depth. In the dance scene with Joker, Gaga’s physical performance emphasizes the character’s attachment to him, but the surface-level nature of the scene makes it difficult for viewers to empathize with Harley.
Standout Scene: The dance scene with Joker attempts to convey Harley’s obsession with him and her influence over him through physical aesthetics, though it falls somewhat short in depth.
Memorable Line: “I don’t understand myself anymore.” This line highlights Harley’s inner conflict and sense of self-loss within her relationship with Joker.
Weak Points: While Gaga’s performance is generally impactful, the depth of Harley’s obsession with Joker could have been portrayed more effectively. This shortfall limits the character’s dramatic resonance with the audience.
Overall Performance: Known by her real name, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, Lady Gaga joins Joker’s theatrical world with an energetic portrayal of Harley Quinn. However, some viewers find this performance superficial. Although her effort to depict Harley’s obsessive love and chaotic personality is evident, this energy is insufficient to fully reveal the character’s depth. While her musical performance is successful, her dramatic aspects fall short, leaving Harley feeling like more of an aesthetic figure than a deeply complex character.
Brendan Gleeson – Jackie Sullivan
Date of Birth: March 29, 1955
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Rating: 7.4/10
Brendan Gleeson is an actor known for his ability to add depth to strong and complex characters, as seen in films like In Bruges and The Guard. In Joker: Folie à Deux, he plays Jackie Sullivan, a character who reflects Gotham’s dark side.
Technical Analysis and Performance: In his portrayal of Jackie Sullivan, Gleeson embodies Gotham’s bureaucracy and corrupt justice system. His stance, cold gaze, and gestures create a sharp contrast with Joker’s anarchic world. Gleeson’s addition of a patient yet menacing demeanor to Sullivan draws attention as a symbol of Gotham’s ruthless order. Through his interactions with Arthur, Gleeson effectively illustrates the pressure mechanisms that Gotham imposes on ordinary people.
Standout Scene: In the scene where he interrogates Arthur in prison, Gleeson’s expressionless yet threatening face and tone reveal Gotham’s oppressive justice system.
Memorable Line: “You think you’re special, Fleck? You’re just another inmate.” This line emphasizes Gotham’s dismissive view of individuals and reflects the depth Gleeson brings to his character.
Weak Points: Sullivan’s background could have been developed further to better explore his motivations and his place within Gotham’s justice system.
Overall Performance: Brendan Gleeson gives a calm and powerful performance as Sullivan, who represents Gotham’s corrupt and ruthless system. In every scene he shares with Arthur, Sullivan’s serious and authoritative presence stands out. The hardness and inner coldness in Gleeson’s portrayal support the character’s embodiment of Gotham’s dark side. However, a more detailed backstory would have allowed the audience to better understand Sullivan’s role in Gotham’s corruption.
Catherine Keener – Maryanne Stewart
Date of Birth: March 23, 1959
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Rating: 6.8 / 10
Catherine Keener is known for portraying cold and emotionally detached characters in film. Her notable performances in works like Being John Malkovich and Capote bring attention to her role as Maryanne Stewart, a lawyer who reflects Gotham’s cold and indifferent bureaucracy.
Technical Analysis and Performance: In the role of Stewart, Keener conveys emotional detachment and professional distance through every expression and gesture. Her professional, duty-bound stance makes Stewart’s indifferent and purely procedural approach toward Arthur clear. This attitude embodies the human deficiencies in Gotham’s justice system. Keener’s cold performance and clarity in her expressions convey the emotional distance of the character to the audience.
Standout Scene: Stewart’s cold demeanor while defending Arthur strongly reflects Gotham’s dehumanizing justice system and indifferent perspective.
Memorable Line: “I am here to defend him, not to understand him.” This line distinctly conveys Stewart’s distance and indifference toward Arthur.
Weak Points: Adding more backstory to Stewart and further details about her relationship with Arthur could have added a different dimension to his inner turmoil. Keener’s detached performance limits the character’s ability to more directly respond to Gotham’s harsh realities.
Overall Performance: Catherine Keener’s performance as Maryanne Stewart powerfully conveys the role of a cold-hearted lawyer, trapped within Gotham’s insensitive justice system. Stewart views Arthur more as a case rather than an individual, leaving her character emotionally inaccessible. While Keener’s professional and distant demeanor reflects her character’s ethical stance, her detachment makes it difficult for viewers to empathize with her. While Keener captures the character’s surface-level presence well, Stewart’s inability to connect with Arthur more deeply weakens her bond with Gotham’s dark realities.
Zazie Beetz – Sophie Dumond
Date of Birth: June 1, 1991
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Rating: 7.3 / 10
Zazie Beetz is a talented actress who gained attention for her performance in the series Atlanta and later proved her skills in films like Deadpool 2. Known for her ability to bring complex, vulnerable, yet strong characters to life, Beetz embodies Sophie, an important figure in Arthur’s imagination within the Joker series.
Technical Analysis and Performance: Beetz portrays Sophie, initially a symbol of hope, evolving into a distant figure removed from reality. Positioned as an ordinary person in Arthur’s world, Sophie once occupied a savior-like role in his mind, but through Beetz’s performance, this character increasingly reinforces Joker’s loneliness. The most striking aspect of her performance is the sense of cold reality that Sophie brings as she questions her place in Joker’s world. The distance Beetz brings to her character emphasizes Joker’s isolation.
Standout Scene: The moment when Joker and Sophie face each other shifts her role in his world. Beetz appears as a cool and distant figure in Joker’s chaotic world.
Memorable Line: “I can’t be what you want me to be, Arthur.” This line expresses her stepping away from her symbolic place in Joker’s world and embracing her own identity.
Weak Points: Sophie’s impact as a symbol of hope in Arthur’s life could have been conveyed more strongly. Beetz’s Sophie remains more of a reminder in Arthur’s world, and the character’s participation in his tragic story could have been strengthened.
Overall Performance: Zazie Beetz matures her character Sophie, Arthur’s initial source of hope, by giving a more realistic approach in the second film. In her portrayal, Sophie no longer remains confined within Arthur’s imagination but emerges as a distant and unattainable figure. This change contributes to Joker’s isolation and mental disintegration, reinforcing her place in Gotham’s dark world. While Beetz reflects Sophie’s presence in Joker’s contradictions and her own tragedy, the lack of detail regarding her place in Gotham limits her emotional impact on the viewer.