Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir returns to create yet again a spectacular score, potentially worthy of a second Academy Award as it beautifully correlates with the emotions and performance of lead actor Joaquin Phoenix. The deep, moody ambience of violins amplifies the eerie tone produced by Phoenix’s acting which alone increases the overall enjoyment when watching. While jolting back and forth between Arthur Fleck’s split personality of the Joker, the narrative is simplistic and easy to follow allowing the viewer to focus on the acting. However, many people who have had the opportunity to see the film may suggest that this could’ve been done just as successfully without the inclusion of musical numbers. The first instance of this happens instantly during the opening scene with a subtle use of whistling, indicating that this theme will be continuous throughout the film- but was that such a good idea?
The inclusion of so many musical numbers feels unnecessary and time-consuming. It is already known that Joaquin Phoenix can pull off a snazzy dance routine exemplified in ‘Joker’ (2019) during the infamous staircase scene and many others in that film. So why the need to transform him into the next Frank Sinatra? Although he did pull off a magnificent rendition of ‘When You're Smiling’, the question is does it add anything to the film? Well, on one hand, yes it does. It allows the spectator to see the difference between Arthur and Joker and the impacts of his mental illness, which Phillips does well. The songs are nostalgic and relevant to the time in which the film is set, allowing breathers between the different emotions required by the audience.
So why is it that the idea of this film being a musical is so off-putting? Time Magazine’s Stephanie Zacharek described that it feels like 'a movie for no one' which is very much an accurate representation of how most of the internet is currently feeling. The inclusion of so many musical numbers feels unnecessary and time-consuming during scenes that were nearly not long and fulfilling enough, disrupting the narrative multiple times. It makes it difficult to watch and you may find yourself wanting to check the time on your phone or wondering what else you could be doing - or even desperately trying to seek salvation in the cinema’s bathroom.
Apologies, ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’ but Grease was a much better musical, please do NOT try again next time.
As key as she was to the plot, you may find yourself staring at the screen trying to forget that Lady Gaga is in fact Lady Gaga with the lack of any interesting attributes in her role as Harley Quinn. Credit can be given to her acting skills in both this role and others she has done previously, but Phillips truly showed a lack of creativity towards this portrayal of Harley. Please do not get your hopes up to see her classic two-toned hair because you will be severely disappointed.
The running time claims to be 138 minutes and I can confidently say that about 120 of those minutes felt like I was trying to enjoy Joaquin Phoenix singing instead of actually acting as the Joker. As impressive as the majority of the film was, it felt unfulfilling, which was disappointing as a lover of the original film. It begs the question as to whether it was even necessary to make, or if Phillips should’ve just enjoyed the awards from the first film and called it a day. Apologies ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’ but Grease was a much better musical, please do NOT try again next time.