I remember hearing the idea of a movie based on the origin of the Joker and I was not sold on it. In fact it seemed like a terrible idea. I prefer my Joker origin as he has described it, multiple choice. Hints of who he was is fine but I don’t ever want an official origin. We’ve gotten two different movies without Batman. Folie à Deux being the sequel to the successful first movie. Here is our look at both films and the future.
2019
I just don’t want to feel so bad anymore.
As I mentioned the original movie seemed like a horrible idea at a time when DC was putting anything on the screen to be have their own MCU. However this project was different, it was actually kind of a black sheep that was not meant to happen and just kind of did. Likely because of this it actually turned out good. The trailer had won me over and when I watched it I was a little let down but overall still enjoyed it very well. Upon a second watch recently I realized it’s a good movie and can see what I disliked the first time. The trailers were just selling a much better movie even if it was still solid.
There’s so many great things about the movie but some of my favorites are the day dreams and playing with what is actually real or not. The day dreams, the ambiguity of some facts being false or not being left open is the key to the movies brilliance even if it leads you to one “right” path, I like to think it’s not as it seems. You can tell when he transforms into Joker and that’s what my main problem is, I needed more of that Joker, it was such a great interpretation that I wanted to see what he could do once he became him. Nonetheless great movie with great Gotham and Batman easter eggs.
Folie à Deux
I wanted a sequel and we got one, Lady Gaga seemed a bit old for Harley Quinn but then again so is Arthur as Joker so it could work. They didn’t want to do a sequel and yet they did so it had to be good right? The musical aspect and trailers did not win me over at all. But I was willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.
The actual movie I would indeed describe it a musical that is afraid of being a full blown musical and I actually think that hurts it. The movie is ok, I’d love to like it more but unfortunately it doesn’t quite land what it’s going for. There’s plenty of brilliant scenes that show how much potential there is. It’s mostly left untapped which is why it doesn’t get a better reaciton from me. We do get two-face and Dark Knight like Joker hints there. I think they should’ve leaned more on the musical aspect and the fantasy/reality ambiguity.
I love this idea of the Joker and I think it’s a waste if we never see him ever fighting Batman or doing some crime in Gotham I don’t care what Batman as long as he fought someone. I think a third movie is not likely but I’d love to see it happen and see what else they could do with the idea, more experimental Joker is some of the most exciting thing that DC has going on.