A "Daring," "Brave," and "Creative" Musical: What We Know about Joker: Folie à Deux
The anticipation for Joker: Folie à Deux is reaching fever pitch. The first trailer, released earlier this year, hinted at a darker, more unsettling journey for Arthur Fleck, and the second trailer, unveiled just recently, cemented this feeling. Director Todd Phillips, who brought us the critically acclaimed and controversially captivating Joker (2019), is back at the helm, with the inimitable Joaquin Phoenix, reprising his Oscar-winning role, joined by the equally talented Lady Gaga. This power-packed combination, paired with the film’s musical elements, has the internet buzzing, with fans and critics alike wondering what kind of twisted, captivating, and likely provocative experience awaits them.
But while the release date of October 4th feels a lifetime away, whispers from insiders have further fueled the excitement. Alberto Barbera, the director of the prestigious Venice Film Festival, recently revealed that Joker: Folie à Deux will be included in the festival’s lineup, and he couldn’t hold back his praise for the movie.
Speaking with Deadline, Barbera shared his thoughts: "It’s a continuation of the story, but the film is completely different from the first film. If you’re expecting the same in terms of violence or other things, you’ll be surprised. When I saw the film in LA at the beginning of February there were four or five of us in the screening room, including writer Scott Silver, and we were astonished, our mouths were open at the end of the screening. It is a darker film."
Barbera’s words are significant. The original Joker was already considered a dark and unsettling film, so the notion of a "darker film" is truly intriguing. The film’s musical element adds another layer of complexity.
"It’s a dystopian musical, or a musical of sorts," Barbera explained. "I think it’s one of the most daring, brave, and creative films in recent American cinema. And I think it really confirms Todd Phillips as one of the most creative directors working at the moment."
Barbera’s bold statements are not to be taken lightly. The Venice Film Festival is a globally recognized event, and its selections are often considered a sign of future critical acclaim. For Barbera to describe Joker: Folie à Deux as "daring," "brave," and "creative" is a strong endorsement, and it creates a considerable buzz of anticipation.
We know that Joker: Folie à Deux will delve deeper into Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness, and the musical elements seem to be incorporated into the narrative in a way that explores the complex relationship between Arthur and his newfound muse, rumored to be played by Lady Gaga.
The trailers have hinted at a theatrical and jarring take on the musical genre. We see Arthur performing on stage in what appears to be a darkly lit mental institution, while glimpses of Lady Gaga suggest a mesmerizing, if unsettling, presence. The juxtaposition of darkness and music, coupled with the disturbingly beautiful visuals, creates a strange and captivating atmosphere, hinting at a film that will challenge and disturb audiences in equal measure.
The inclusion of Joker: Folie à Deux in the Venice Film Festival adds another dimension to the film’s significance. It positions the film alongside some of the best and most critically acclaimed movies in the world, suggesting a film that will likely cause a stir on both artistic and social levels.
While the film’s story and themes remain shrouded in mystery, the overwhelming sense of anticipation is undeniable. The combination of a compelling, Oscar-winning performance by Joaquin Phoenix, the undeniable charisma of Lady Gaga, and the bold vision of Todd Phillips has us eager to witness the evolution of this already unsettling character.
Joker: Folie à Deux is promising to be a film that will not only entertain but also provoke, challenge, and perhaps even unsettle us. Its inclusion in the Venice Film Festival adds another layer of significance, and the "daring," "brave," and "creative" label from Barbera has set the bar high. The world awaits with bated breath to see what this extraordinary collaboration will bring.
