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TheJokerfranchise has always stirred intense reactions, with its dark themes and complex portrayal of one of the most infamous villains in comic book history. The sequel,Joker: Folie à Deux, promised to push boundaries further, diving deeper into the psyche of Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix.
But the film’s shocking twists and the controversial statements made by director Todd Phillips sparked heated debate among fans. His choices were seen by some as bold and by others as a frustrating copout, and became the focal point of criticism, asJoker 2wrestled with its portrayal of the character’s true identity.
The Man Behind the Mask: Todd Phillips’ Copout on Arthur Fleck
WhenJoker: Folie à Deuxhit theaters, fans were left shocked by directorTodd Phillips’explanation of the titular character’s identity. In an unsatisfactory statement given toEntertainment Weekly, Phillips declared,“He’s always been Arthur Fleck.”While this quote may have resonated with some, it came across as a major copout for others who invested deeply in the evolution ofJoaquin Phoenix’sJoker.
He’s accepted the fact that he’s always been Arthur Fleck; he’s never been this thing that’s been put upon him, this idea that Gotham people put on him, that he represents. He’s an unwitting icon. This thing was placed on him, and he doesn’t want to live as a fake anymore — he wants to be who he is.
From the start, Arthur Fleck’s journey has been one of inner turmoil and societal rejection, culminating in the events of the first Joker movie, where he becomes an unintentional revolutionary symbol for Gotham’s disenfranchised.
Todd Phillips Was Reportedly So Sure of His Joker 2 Plan He Ignored a Direct Advice from David Zaslav That Could’ve Reduced Costs by 20%
Fans came to see Arthur as the underdog who somehow morphed into the infamous Joker, Batman’s nemesis. However, by claiming that Arthur never truly became Joker, that he was merely Arthur all along, Phillips sidesteps the deeper layers of the character development that audiences expected.
A Shocking Twist That Divides Fans: The Ending ofJoker 2
Joker: Folie à Deuxfaced immense criticism, especially surrounding its ending! In a dramatic courtroom scene, Arthur Fleck is convicted of murder, and just as the trial seems to reach its conclusion, a bomb goes off, sparking chaos.
The film’s climax deals a crushing blow to fans who had anticipated Arthur’s permanent role as Gotham’s Joker. By sending Arthur back to Arkham Asylum and having him die at the hands of another inmate, who then adopts the Joker persona, the narrative essentially confirms that Arthur was never meant to be the true Joker. Instead, he was merely a stepping stone for another figure to rise and claim the mantle.
Joker: Folie à Deuxwas always going to be a divisive film, but Todd Phillips’ decision to portray Arthur Fleck as someone who“was always Arthur”rather than the true Joker cemented its controversial reception.
The Real Clown is Todd Phillips for Using The Worst MCU Twist in Joker 2 That Sealed its Fate Before Release
While some may appreciate the film’s unique psychological depth, others see it as a missed opportunity to fully explore Gotham’s most infamous criminal. Either way, Phillips’ copout, as some call it, will remain a debated point for years to come.
Joker: Folie à Deuxis currently in theatres.
Sonika Kamble
Articles Published :1197
Sonika Kamble is an entertainment writer at Fandomwire, covering everything from timeless classics to newly released movies. With over 1000+ articles published, she delves into breakdowns, think pieces, speculations, and more.She enjoys connecting the dots and covering newfound angles about characters, scenes, and themes from movies directed by Scorsese, Fincher, Tarantino, Linklater, and other exceptional filmmakers.
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Joaquin PhoenixJoker 2Joker: Folie A DeuxLady GagaTodd Philips
