A test screening for “Joker 2: Folie à Deux” happened many months ago, in a state that wasn’t NY or California. I couldn’t report on it, sworn to not say a peep about how it went. However, I can confirm that the cut shown was said to run around 2 hours 29 minutes.
Rumors were swirling today on social media that the latest ‘Folie à Deux’ cut, maybe the final one, clocks in at 2 hours 20 minutes. Who knows. The film has already been rated by the MPA, so it’s in the can and ready to go.
What I will say about ‘Folie à Deux’ is that it does indeed revolve around the music therapy sessions at Arkham Asylum — that’s where Arthur (Joaquin Phoenix) and Harleen (Lady Gaga) meet. Just to be clear, Gaga is not, technically, Harley Quinn here, but rather goes by the name of Harleen, Arthur calls her “Lee.”
Arthur and Lee hit it off in Arkham due to his mommy issues, and Lee’s own troubles with her father. Their bond strengthens more and more. This leads to the duo attempting to escape the asylum. The plan goes awry. I won’t say more.
The cut shown had 20+ songs featured, four of them were originals. Although there is a duet, most of them are sung by Lady Gaga. In the film, Gaga sings a reworked version of Dinah Washington’s “The Bitter Earth,” with new lyrics, and it’s said to be a major highlight.
With that said, I have absolutely no idea if Todd Phillips can pull this high-wire act 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. The trailer did hint at a beautifully shot film — Lawrence Sher is back as the cinematographer.
“Joker 2: Folie à Deux” is set for release, including in IMAX 70MM, on October 4, 2024. It will most likely have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September.