Fan Reactions to Joker: Folie à Deux

Joker: Folie à Deux takes an unexpected musical turn as Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix redefine these iconic character in a bold, genre-bending sequel.

What a hilarious twist Joker: Folie à Deux delivers! The decision to turn the film into a musical featuring the incredible Lady Gaga definitely caught audiences off guard. In tense moments that kept everyone on edge, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) and Lee (Lady Gaga) would unexpectedly burst into song— and trust me, there were plenty of these captivating musical interludes. The film’s tagline, “The World’s a Stage,” takes on a literal meaning as the duo delivers a series of performances, blending drama and music in a way that keeps viewers enthralled.

It was definitely a treat having Lady Gaga play Joker’s love interest as Harleen ‘Lee’ Quinzel (aka Harley Quinn). She effortlessly portrayed a cunning chaotic character with a twisted obsession for the Joker, while still revealing glimpses of her softer side. As one of the most iconic pop stars with extraordinary vocals, it’s hard to imagine anyone else who could have been cast so perfectly to draw viewers in. Her performance strikes a captivating balance between madness and charm. 

Many fans had a lot to say about Todd Phillips’ intention with making the film so distinct from the first Joker. In this tweet, screen rant host Joseph Deckelmeier commented it was a, “bold creative leap” 

This movie definitely took an unexpected route proving Todd Phillips might just be an evil genius. 

Throughout the film, Arthur Fleck’s character development takes an unexpected turn. He transforms from the Joker—either reviled or idolized—into a figure that reveals his true self, shaped by deep-seated trauma from his past. This journey uncovers the complexities of his identity, providing a more nuanced understanding of the man behind the clown makeup. 

Unmasking the Joker definitely triggered most fans, but maybe that was the intention. By revealing a different side of the character, they aimed to present the Joker not just as a comedic lunatic and killer, but as a more complex character deserving of deeper exploration. Screen Rant senior movie editor Alex Harrison defined the sequel as something that will be “poking the first movie’s more toxic fans with a stick.”

Sequels in Hollywood are notoriously challenging to pull off, especially when they follow a critically acclaimed original. Early reactions to Joker: Folie à Deux suggest that some elements of the sequel may not resonate as effectively as those in the first Joker film. While the performances from Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix are outstanding, it raises the question of whether they can enhance the overall narrative. The creative team seems to be aiming for a more ambitious approach this time, attempting to elevate what was achieved in 2019. Ultimately, only time will tell if this bold direction can capture the same magic that made the original so memorable.