Joker: Folie à Deux, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Joker, has been met with a wave of criticism and bewilderment. This briefing doc analyzes the film's reception, exploring the reasons behind its failure to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

A Sequel Designed to Annoy?

Many viewers theorize that director Todd Phillips intentionally crafted a film that would clash with the expectations set by its predecessor. This speculation stems from Phillips' past frustration with the political backlash against the original Joker, which he viewed as a misinterpretation of his artistic intentions.

* One Reddit user described Folie à Deux as "supreme incel ragebait," suggesting a deliberate attempt to antagonize a specific segment of the fanbase.

* The Film Stage argues that the film "pulls a prank on incels," highlighting the stark contrast between Arthur Fleck's portrayal in both films.

Reclaiming Arthur Fleck's Narrative

Folie à Deux seems to actively dismantle the "dangerous influence" of the original Joker, as stated in "Who is Joker 2 Actually For?". This is achieved by portraying Arthur Fleck as a pathetic figure, stripping him of the anti-establishment hero status some viewers attributed to him.

* Phillips emphasizes Arthur's unreliability as a narrator, stating, "It’s just the version this guy is telling in this room at a mental institution. I don’t know that he’s the most reliable narrator in the world."

* This approach aims to reclaim Arthur's story and present a more nuanced perspective on the character, ultimately rejecting the simplistic interpretations of the original film.

The Joker for No One?

Folie à Deux’s unconventional nature – a dark, R-rated musical centered around a courtroom drama – makes it difficult to pinpoint its target audience. The film alienates casual viewers, DC Comics fans, and even Harley Quinn enthusiasts with its bold stylistic choices and deviations from source material.

* "Who is Joker 2 Actually For?" identifies this issue, stating, "The sad reality of Joker: Folie à Deux is that it's for too few people to justify its reported $200m budget."

* The film's confusing marketing campaign further exacerbates this problem, obscuring its musical elements and failing to clearly define its intended audience.

Critical and Commercial Failure

Folie à Deux suffers from both critical panning and disappointing box office performance. Its Rotten Tomatoes score ranks lower than notorious superhero flops like Morbius and Madame Web.

* The film received a CinemaScore of D, indicating overwhelmingly negative audience reception.

* Its opening weekend box office takings pale in comparison to its predecessor, further highlighting the film's struggle to connect with a wider audience.

"The sad reality of Joker: Folie à Deux is that it's for too few people to justify its reported $200m budget."

A Misunderstood Masterpiece or a Costly Misfire?

While the general consensus leans towards viewing Folie à Deux as a failure, a small contingent of supporters perceive it as a "misunderstood" sequel that deserves more appreciation.

* Some viewers praise Lady Gaga's performance as Harley Quinn and find the film's musical elements intriguing, despite their unconventional nature.

* However, the film's divisive reception, coupled with its poor commercial performance, casts a long shadow over its potential legacy.

Conclusion

Joker: Folie à Deux represents a bold, albeit misguided, attempt to subvert expectations and challenge audience perceptions. While its artistic ambition is undeniable, the film ultimately fails to resonate with a wider audience due to its unconventional format, confusing messaging, and seemingly deliberate attempt to dismantle the narrative built by its predecessor. Whether it is remembered as a misunderstood masterpiece or a costly misfire remains to be seen.

Resources

* https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/news/joker-2-flop-conspiracy-theory-box-office-b2625533.html

* https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/why-joker-folie-a-deux-flopped-at-the-box-office/

* https://screenrant.com/joker-2-audience-questions-reactions-explained/

* https://thefilmstage.com/venice-review-joker-folie-a-deux-pulls-a-prank-on-incels-and-anarchists-everywhere/

* https://www.quora.com/Is-the-Joker-an-incel/answer/Feifei-Wang-6

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