A Hollywood heavyweight hated ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’ so much he went shopping in the middle of it

Paul Schrader’s recent remarks about Joker: Folie à Deux have certainly turned heads, marking a clear departure from the usual critiques of films. In a brief but impactful discussion with Interview Magazine, he didn’t hold back on his thoughts about the much-anticipated sequel to Joker.

Key Points from Schrader’s Critique

1. Disappointment with the Film: Schrader admitted he couldn’t endure the full 138-minute runtime, stating he only managed to watch about 20-30 minutes in total. His decision to leave and then return for a bit more viewing suggests that the film did not engage him, indicating a significant letdown compared to expectations.
2. Harsh Review: Referring to it as a “really bad musical,” he expressed disdain for both the film’s transformation into a musical format and the characters of Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) and Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). He bluntly said, “I don’t like either of those people,” implying that both the performances and the characters failed to resonate with him.
3. Character Dynamics: Schrader’s comments highlighted a broader issue with the film’s character evolution (or lack thereof). He suggested that the transformation of these iconic characters into what some have described as “singing-and-dancing puppet clowns” detracted from their complexity and depth. This mirrors the sentiments of many viewers who felt the sequel diminished the gravitas of the original film’s portrayal of the Joker.
4. Industry Context: Coming from a filmmaker of Schrader’s caliber, known for his work on classics like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, his criticism carries significant weight. His comments reflect a disappointment not just with the film’s narrative choices but also with the artistic direction taken by director Todd Phillips.
5. Audience Reception: The film’s box office performance and low Rotten Tomatoes score further reinforce the disconnect between audience expectations and the final product. While Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga received praise for their performances, the overarching sentiment has been that the film fell short in elevating the Joker’s persona and depth.

Schrader’s verbal smackdown of Joker: Folie à Deux has reignited discussions about the film’s direction and character portrayal, emphasizing that not all sequels are created equal. As fans continue to process the film, his sharp critique serves as a reminder of the high bar set by the original Joker and the complexities that come with adapting such iconic characters into new genres. With mixed reviews flooding in, it’s clear that Folie à Deux has sparked a wide range of opinions, from disappointment to intrigue, making it a hot topic in the film community.