Joker: Folie à Deux Deconstructs Arthur Fleck’s Identity and Subverts Expectations
Todd Phillips’ sequel to the 2019 film Joker, titled Folie à Deux, takes a bold and unapologetic approach in deconstructing Arthur Fleck’s Joker identity. The film’s chaotic ending saw Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, kill Murray Franklin in cold blood on national television, inspiring a revolution across Gotham City that ultimately led to the deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne. However, Folie à Deux throws out the possibility of a “Batman vs. Joker” battle, as Arthur Fleck abandons his Joker persona and meets a sour end.
The film explores Arthur Fleck’s early days as the Joker and Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn origin story, but the ending is a brutal twist that leaves fans with little hope for a sequel. Arthur Fleck, exhausted and broken, meets a similar fate as his final victim, Murray Franklin. The new Joker, a young inmate played by Connor Storrie, takes over as the Joker and kills Arthur Fleck.
The film’s ending was met with mixed reactions from fans, with some viewing it as a necessary criticism of the sensationalization of violence. Todd Phillips, the director, explained that Arthur Fleck realized that his actions were never justified, and that he wanted to be himself, not the Joker. The film suggests that Arthur Fleck never truly was the Joker, and that he was only imitating him.
Despite its divisive ending, Folie à Deux’s final act got people talking. The film’s critical and financial performance fell short of expectations, with a mediocre 32% on Rotten Tomatoes and just over $205 million worldwide. It seems unlikely that a third film in the trilogy will happen, with director Todd Phillips already hinting at moving on from the franchise.