Been losing sleepless nights over Joker: Folie à Deux and whether it’s actually going to be any good – knowing it’s a musical? If you’re curious, it seems like the first reactions from director Todd Phillips‘ follow-up are now out, and… you don’t have to worry.
The first reactions we’ve seen shared have overall been very positive, and we’ve got some quotes below to share with you (that DO contain SPOILER DETAILS so consider this your warning).
Also, bear in mind the version that’s been screened had “some editing and script issues that need to be resolved” – but despite this, it still seems to have impressed the heck out of audiences, which is a great sign.
Joey Monda shared the first round of reactions via X:
The film is super bloody, chaotic, aggressive, surrealistic, but somehow true to its essence. Gaga and Joaquin are on the same level in performance.
The musical aspect is not presented in a conventional way. They sing, of course, but it works in a different pattern. Very risky, but f*cking genius.
Overall, the film seeks to balance itself to captivate both critics and the general public.
Following up, JoBlo added some extra information that gets a bit more into spoiler territory, so again, you’ve been warned:
It seems Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn is “equal to Phoenix or even more central” to the story. Apparently Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix’s character) never actually calls Harley, “but a nickname derived from it.”
As for the musical renditions, apparently the characters “perform songs as a duet, and some are just her singing. Songs are a mix of old and new.”
Very interesting! The film will also feature famous characters and some changes to lore, since the movies are entirely separate and standalone from certain other DC franchises.
Welp, that’s it for now! I’m really excited about this, and relieved to hear the initial responses to the movie have been positive.
And you’ll be able to watch Joker: Folie à Deux when it’s released by Warner Bros. on October 4th.
Are you excited about Joker: Folie à Deux? Relieved, maybe? Or simply indifferent? Answers on a postcard, via carrier pigeon, smoke signals, or in the comments – you decide.
