‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Divides Critics at Venice Film Festival: A Missed Opportunity or Misunderstood Masterpiece?

The highly anticipated sequel to the groundbreaking 2019 film “Joker” has finally arrived, but has it lived up to the hype? “Joker: Folie à Deux” made its grand debut at the Venice Film Festival, and the early reviews are in. With Todd Phillips returning to direct and Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as the iconic Arthur Fleck, the Joker, the film introduces pop sensation Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, the Joker’s love interest and partner in crime. However, the reaction to this highly anticipated installment has been fiercely divided, sparking intense debates and leaving audiences and critics wondering: Is it a missed opportunity or a misunderstood masterpiece?

A Glitzy Debut Amid High Expectations

The Venice International Film Festival rolled out the red carpet for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” with Phoenix, Gaga, and Phillips in attendance, generating a buzz of excitement and anticipation. The original “Joker” film, a critical and commercial smash hit, set a high bar for its successor, having earned Phoenix the coveted Best Actor Oscar. With such a formidable predecessor, the sequel faced an uphill battle from the start.

The film’s premiere certainly made an impact, with the audience at the Sala Grande delivering a standing ovation that lasted a remarkable 10.5 minutes. Chants of “Ga-ga!” and expressions of adoration for Lady Gaga filled the auditorium, indicating that the audience was enamored with the leading lady’s performance.

A Critical Divide: Acclaim vs. Scathing Criticism

However, the initial excitement and positive audience reaction quickly gave way to a critical maelstrom. As the first reviews rolled in, a stark divide became apparent, with some critics hailing the film as a bold and innovative masterpiece, while others denounced it as a dull and pointless disappointment. As of now, the film sits at a mediocre 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, a stark contrast to the perfection of its predecessor.

Empire Magazine’s John Nugent found himself in the former camp, describing the film as “a sweet and beguiling musical romance between two murderous psychopaths.” He acknowledged that the film’s unique approach might not cater to all comic-book fans but praised its ability to find “a strange, tragic hopefulness.” David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter echoed similar sentiments, praising Gaga’s performance and the vitality of the musical numbers.

However, other top critics were far less forgiving. Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson delivered a scathing blow, labeling the film “startlingly dull and a pointless procedural that seems to disdain its audience.” Nicholas Barber of the BBC echoed this sentiment, characterizing the film as either “daring or irritatingly smug, but definitely not much fun.” IndieWire’s David Ehrlich went as far as to suggest that the film was intentionally bad, calling it a “criminal waste of Lady Gaga.”

A Bold Narrative and Controversial Performances

“Joker: Folie à Deux” takes a bold narrative approach, picking up with Arthur Fleck institutionalized and struggling with his dual identity. The film blends crime drama with musical numbers, as Fleck and Quinn’s relationship unfolds through song. This unique format has become a point of contention among viewers, with some praising its daring departure from traditional superhero fare and others finding it jarring and ineffective.

The performances of Phoenix and Gaga have also sparked debate. While some critics admired Phoenix’s commitment to the role, The Guardian’s review described his portrayal as “single-note,” lacking the depth and complexity of the first film. Vulture echoed similar sentiments, feeling that his character had become a “punching bag” devoid of empathy. However, The Independent praised Phoenix’s performance, highlighting his ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level.

Lady Gaga, on the other hand, has emerged as a shining light in the film. Critics and audiences alike have praised her embodiment of Harley Quinn, bringing a captivating energy to the screen. Her musical prowess, showcased in the film’s song-and-dance numbers, has particularly impressed, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the character.

Audience Reactions: Love It or Hate It

Beyond the critical discourse, audience reactions to “Joker: Folie à Deux” have been just as divided. Taking to social media, viewers have passionately expressed their contrasting opinions:

“I am outraged at what they’ve done to the Joker franchise. #JokerFolieÀDeux is an abomination. They turned a complex, psychological character study into a ridiculous musical farce. Phoenix and Gaga’s talents were wasted on this travesty. An insult to cinema!” – @CinephileCritic

“I have to wonder if the critics even understand cinema anymore. #JokerFolieÀDeux is a bold, innovative masterpiece. Phoenix and Gaga’s performances are electric, and the musical numbers are hauntingly beautiful. This film is a work of art, and anyone who disagrees simply doesn’t get it.” – @FilmConnoisseur99

“I went into #JokerFolieÀDeux with an open mind, but I left feeling confused and underwhelmed. The musical elements felt forced and out of place, like a desperate attempt to be different. Sorry, but this sequel did not do the original justice.” – @MovieMaven77

“Joker: Folie à Deux” has undeniably sparked intense conversations and divided audiences and critics alike. As the film prepares for its official release on October 4 in North America, the debate will only intensify. Is it a missed opportunity that fails to live up to its predecessor, or is it a misunderstood masterpiece that challenges the boundaries of the comic book genre? Only time will tell as audiences embrace or reject this controversial addition to the cinematic landscape.

Conclusion: A Film That Challenges and Divides

“Joker: Folie à Deux” has undoubtedly left its mark on the Venice Film Festival, with its standing ovation and fiercely divided reviews. As awards season approaches, the film will continue to provoke discussions and reflections on the nature of storytelling, performance, and the appeal of one of pop culture’s most iconic villains. Love it or hate it, “Joker: Folie à Deux” dares to push boundaries and challenge expectations, leaving a lasting impression that will fuel debates for years to come. In the end, it may be left to the court of public opinion to decide the fate of this controversial sequel.