‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Premieres at Venice Film Festival to Mixed Reviews

The highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 film “Joker,” titled “Joker: Folie à Deux,” made its world debut at the Venice Film Festival, leaving audiences and critics with mixed reactions. The film, directed by Todd Phillips, stars Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur Fleck, the Joker, and introduces pop icon Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, the Joker’s love interest. With a unique blend of crime drama and jukebox musical, “Joker: Folie à Deux” has sparked both praise and criticism, dividing opinions across the board.

Acclaimed Debut at Venice Film Festival

On a night filled with glamor and excitement, “Joker: Folie à Deux” stepped into the spotlight at the Venice International Film Festival. The film’s red-carpet world premiere was graced by Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, and director Todd Phillips, marking a highly anticipated moment in the festival’s lineup. As the sequel to the critically acclaimed and commercially successful “Joker,” which earned Phoenix the Best Actor Oscar, the new installment had a lot to live up to.

The film’s debut sparked a range of responses, with the audience at the Sala Grande delivering an enthusiastic 10.5-minute standing ovation. Chants of “Ga-ga, Ga-ga, Ga-ga!” and exclamations of “Gaga, we love you!” filled the air, showcasing the audience’s admiration for the leading lady.

Critical Acclaim and Criticism

Despite the enthusiastic response from the Venice audience, early reviews from critics have been mixed. As of publication, “Joker: Folie à Deux” holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 60% based on 43 reviews, indicating a divide in critical opinion.

Among the positive reviews, John Nugent of Empire Magazine praised the film as “a sweet and beguiling musical romance between two murderous psychopaths.” He acknowledged that the kooky approach might not suit all comic-book fans but found it to possess “a strange, tragic hopefulness.” David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter echoed similar sentiments, commending Gaga’s performance as a “compelling live-wire presence” and highlighting the vitality of the musical numbers.

However, not all top critics were harmonious in their praise. Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson described the film as “startlingly dull, a pointless procedural that seems to disdain its audience.” Nicholas Barber of the BBC characterized it as “demythologizing,” stating that it is either “daring or irritatingly smug, but definitely not much fun.” IndieWire’s David Ehrlich was particularly scathing, headlining his review with “Joker: Folie à Deux Review: Todd Phillips’ Musical Sequel Feels Like It’s Bad on Purpose.” He criticized the film as a “criminal waste of Lady Gaga” and lamented the lack of purpose in the story.

Exploring the Story and Performances

“Joker: Folie à Deux” picks up with Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham, awaiting trial for his crimes as the Joker. Struggling with his dual identity, Fleck discovers true love and unleashes the music within him. The film takes on a unique format, blending crime drama with musical numbers, as Fleck and Quinn’s relationship unfolds through song.

While the performances of Phoenix and Gaga have been widely discussed, critics have offered differing opinions. The Guardian’s review described Phoenix’s portrayal as “single-note,” while Vulture felt that his character lacked the compelling nature of the first film, becoming more of a “punching bag.” However, The Independent praised Phoenix’s performance, noting that he continues to have fun with the character and delivers a powerful act.

Lady Gaga, on the other hand, has been lauded for her presence in the film. Critics have praised her ability to embody the role of Harley Quinn and bring a unique energy to the screen. Her musical prowess, showcased in the film’s song-and-dance numbers, has also been well-received, adding a layer of depth to her character.

Audience Reactions

Aside from critical reviews, audience reactions to “Joker: Folie à Deux” have been varied. Some viewers have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the highly anticipated sequel:

“Just saw #JokerFolieÀDeux at the Venice Film Festival. I have to say, I was underwhelmed. The first Joker was a masterpiece, but this one fell flat for me. It felt like they were trying too hard to be edgy and different, and the musical numbers fell flat. Disappointed.” – @MovieBuff89

“I’m still processing #JokerFolieÀDeux. It was definitely unique—a musical take on the Joker’s story. I loved Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, but something about the tone felt off. Not sure if it lived up to the hype, but I appreciate their attempt to do something different.” – @CinemaEnthusiast

“Okay, I have to disagree with the negative reviews of #JokerFolieÀDeux. I absolutely loved it! Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s chemistry was electric, and the musical numbers gave me goosebumps. I left the theater feeling thrilled and disturbed at the same time. Bravo!” – @FilmFanaticX

“Joker: Folie à Deux” has certainly sparked conversations and debates among film enthusiasts and critics alike. With its blend of crime, drama, and musical elements, the film offers a unique take on the Joker’s story. As the film gears up for its official release on October 4 in North America, audiences will have the opportunity to form their own opinions and decide the fate of this controversial sequel.

Conclusion:

“Joker: Folie à Deux” has undoubtedly left its mark on the Venice Film Festival, with its standing ovation and divisive reviews. As the film enters the awards season conversation, it will continue to provoke discussions and reflections on the nature of storytelling, performance, and the appeal of one of the most iconic villains in pop culture. The film challenges the boundaries of the comic book genre, inviting audiences to embrace a different side of the Joker and Harley Quinn. Despite the mixed reactions, “Joker: Folie à Deux” is a bold and ambitious addition to the cinematic landscape, pushing the boundaries of what a superhero film can be.