This is what a $200 million R-rated movie musical looks like.
So, there’s a reason why “Joker: Folie à Deux” released exclusive images the last two Valentine’s Days. The just-released trailer gives off the impression that this will be a love story. Call it “Ha Ha Land,” if you’d like, but the sequel looks to be a very different beast than the 2019 film.
The term “Folie à deux” is a real psychiatric syndrome in which delusional belief, and sometimes hallucinations, are "transmitted" from one individual to the another. It’s obvious who those two individuals will be here: Arthur (Joaquin Phoenix) and Harley (Lady Gaga). These hallucinations will most likely result in the musical aspects of the film. A lot of the film will take place inside their heads.
What struck most me about the trailer was how beautifully photographed the film is. Lawrence Sher is back as the cinematographer and he shoots the hell out of this film. Also, that final image of the lipstick on the glass that ends the trailer is a nice touch.
With that said, I have absolutely no idea if Todd Phillips can pull this off. This is either going to be incredible or an absolute train wreck, there’s no middle ground. At the very least, give him some credit for going mad ambitious here.
All I know is that they better have a great story to tell here because “Joker” didn’t need a sequel, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The 2019 film polarized many critics, but, to my eyes at least, perfectly nailed the current zeitgeist via Phoenix’s deranged urban savior.
“Joker 2: Folie à Deux” is rumored to be released in IMAX 70MM on October 4, 2024. It will most likely be premiering at the Venice Film Festival in September.