The highly anticipated Joker: Folie à Deux has finally hit theaters, but rather than being met with universal acclaim, it’s causing quite the stir among audiences. While Joker (2019) captivated viewers with Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Arthur Fleck, the sequel, which introduces Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, is proving to be polarizing. Many moviegoers are reportedly walking out, not because of poor acting or storyline issues, but because they weren’t expecting the musical twist. Let’s dive into what’s happening and why fans are reacting so strongly to this bold genre change.
The first Joker movie saw Phoenix win an Oscar for Best Actor. Credit: Rich Fury/Getty
The Rise and Impact of the First Joker Film
The first Joker movie, released in 2019, shattered expectations and garnered critical acclaim. Joaquin Phoenix’s raw performance as Arthur Fleck, a troubled man descending into madness, earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, while the film itself grossed over $1 billion worldwide. The gritty, psychological take on the DC villain resonated with audiences, many of whom viewed the film as a modern classic.
With Joker becoming a cultural phenomenon, anticipation for a sequel naturally followed. When the news broke that Phoenix would reprise his role and Lady Gaga would join him as Harley Quinn, fans were ecstatic. Yet, the announcement that Joker: Folie à Deux would be a musical left many scratching their heads.
Why Fans Are Surprised (and Upset) by the Musical Element
Despite Variety revealing in March that Joker: Folie à Deux would be a musical, it seems that not everyone got the memo. The film, directed by Todd Phillips, took inspiration from jukebox-style musicals like Moulin Rouge, and it’s a significant departure from the tone of its predecessor. Fans expecting a dark, psychological sequel found themselves instead in a story punctuated by musical numbers.
This unexpected genre pivot has led to frustration among fans who feel that the marketing for the film didn’t emphasize its musical nature enough. The internet has since been abuzz with accounts of audience members walking out mid-movie once they realized they weren’t in for the traditional Joker experience.
One moviegoer tweeted, “I thought Joker 2 was terrific, but a percentage of the audience tonight didn’t. Every time there was another song, more people walked out.” It appears that for some, the musical format doesn’t fit with the dark and gritty vision they had for the sequel.
Audience Reactions on Social Media and Beyond
Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit have been flooded with posts from moviegoers expressing their dissatisfaction. Some fans, in retrospect, admit they didn’t believe the musical aspect would play such a significant role. One tweet humorously pointed out, “I’m assuming most people thought the original announcement that Joker 2 would be a musical was a joke. Because people have been nasty about it today. I have a running tally of people walking out or getting refunds.”
Another Reddit user echoed this sentiment: “Never thought I’d walk out of Joker: Folie à Deux—snoozefest. I think Phoenix and Gaga were brilliant… Unfortunately, I didn’t know it was a musical. I hate musicals with a passion.”
These reactions underline a fundamental disconnect between audience expectations and the final product. While some viewers embraced the change, others found themselves unable to reconcile the musical format with the character they had come to know in the first film.
Critical Reception: Divided Reviews and Low CinemaScore
While the musical twist may be dividing fans, it’s also having an impact on the film’s critical reception. Joker: Folie à Deux has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Phoenix and Gaga’s performances while questioning the effectiveness of the musical elements in conveying the story’s darker themes. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Joker: Folie à Deux even received a D CinemaScore, a rating lower than notorious flops like Morbius and Madame Web. The film’s score on Rotten Tomatoes also reflects this division, with both audience and critic ratings hovering in the low 30s.
Given the high expectations following the success of the original film, such lukewarm reception has surprised many. It raises questions about whether the film’s marketing effectively prepared audiences for the dramatic shift in tone and genre.
The Risk and Rewards of Reimagining a Franchise
By taking such a drastic creative risk with Joker: Folie à Deux, Todd Phillips and his team have created a film that will undoubtedly provoke strong reactions. Whether audiences love it or hate it, the movie pushes boundaries and experiments with the superhero genre in a way few films have done.
However, this approach raises the question of whether fans are ready for such changes in established franchises. When a film like Joker gains such a massive following, fans form expectations based on the tone, style, and storytelling of the original. Drastically altering these elements, as Joker: Folie à Deux does, inevitably alienates some viewers while captivating others.
Is Joker: Folie à Deux Worth Watching?
With such mixed reviews and reactions, you may be wondering if Joker: Folie à Deux is worth watching. If you’re open to unique cinematic experiences and enjoy musicals, the film’s innovative approach might intrigue you. However, if you’re a die-hard fan of the original and expect a similar dark, non-musical journey, you might want to go in with tempered expectations.
Gaga will be taking on the iconic role of Harley Quinn. Credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty
For those who appreciate when filmmakers take risks and push the boundaries of genre, Joker: Folie à Deux offers a chance to witness something genuinely unconventional. However, if the idea of a musical Joker sequel feels like a mismatch, it may not resonate with you as it might with other fans.
Conclusion: A Bold Step in an Unexpected Direction
Joker: Folie à Deux is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about movies of the year. Its unexpected genre shift has led to walkouts and heated discussions, showing that bold creative choices in established franchises can yield both risks and rewards. The decision to turn this film into a musical highlights a daring artistic choice that will stand as either a fascinating reimagining or a disappointing misstep, depending on who you ask.
As the film continues to spark conversations, it’s clear that Joker: Folie à Deux has succeeded in one regard: it’s getting people talking. Love it or hate it, the film challenges our expectations and forces us to confront our perceptions of what storytelling in cinema can be.
