Joker: Folie à Deux 4K 2024 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

While undergoing compulsory treatment at Arkham Hospital, failed comedian Arthur Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn.

Review 4K Movie

When the sequel to The Joker was announced, it was hard to imagine that the second movie could rise to the same heights as the first. Todd Phillips was back in the director's chair, with Joaquin Phoenix returning as Arthur Fleck, the iconic character that earned him a well-deserved Oscar. To top it all off, it was announced that Lady Gaga would be joining the cast, playing the role of Harley Quinn. It sounded like a perfect fit for another success.

“The Joker” came out five years ago, but even after all this time, this movie continues to hold the attention of audiences and critics. It tackled complex psychological themes that are rarely brought up in mainstream movies, which combined with Phoenix's amazing performance led to the movie not only becoming a box office hit, but also sparking a lot of discussion in the community. It seemed to be more than just a movie - it was a look at the darkness and despair that lives within us. The news of a sequel sparked interest and hope that Arthur's story would continue on the same level. However, it was immediately clear that the director had decided to take a different path. And that was the beginning of the end.

When we first start watching the sequel, its first moments evoke a familiar feeling: Phillips' signature style is still here, and it was hopeful. Smooth transitions, immersive atmospheres in a dystopian city where Arthur is once again the center of attention. But the movie changes tone dramatically. As soon as the first musical scene begins, all feelings about the seriousness of what is happening dissolve. One wonders “For whom and why?”.

Of course, genre experimentation has always been a part of filmmaking, and musicals are no exception. But the problem here isn't the genre of the musical itself, it's the realization of it. When you are immersed in a long, dramatic scene, filled with tension and emotional depth, and suddenly they start singing in front of you - it causes not shock, but bewilderment. It looks out of place, ridiculous and ruins everything that was so carefully constructed at the beginning. The songs and dances fit into the context of the movie just as if they were included in the middle of a crime drama - completely out of place. And it makes it feel like the director is ruining his own creation.

Musicals can be accurate, but they require the right context. A movie that was originally built on the idea of a deep psychological thriller in which brutality and harsh reality grips the viewer is not ready for an unexpected turn towards musical numbers. If in the first movie every scene was filled with anxiety and the gravity of the main character's inner struggle, in the sequel this tension dissolves into strange musical scenes that not only break the atmosphere, but also cause irritation.

Expectations were enormous. The first “Joker” was an event that showed how it was possible to create something new, original, and filled with psychological depth from an iconic comic book character. However, in the second film, much of that depth is gone, leaving room for moments that are too theatrical and contrived. There is a feeling that instead of developing the story and exploring the dark corners of Arthur Fleck's psyche further, the creators chose the path of least resistance, adding elements that should have made the movie more accessible to a mass audience, but in the end only disappoint those who were waiting for a sequel to an equally powerful and daring project.

But there are pluses, of course. One of the main advantages of the picture remains the duo of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. Their interaction on screen is certainly exciting. Phoenix, not the first time in the role of the Joker, this time does not cause such a strong effect as in the first part, but still demonstrates a high class of acting. Nevertheless, amidst the movie's poor genre decisions, even his acting loses past strength. But Lady Gaga, who tries on the character of Harley Quinn for the first time, really becomes the jewelry of the movie. Her interpretation of Harley is unique. Her acting is a real gift to the viewer. Every scene with her attracts attention, and you want to follow her character closely. It is her performance that can be called one of the best roles in the movie, and she clearly deserves an Oscar nomination.

The soundtrack is still up to par. The visual part also remained on top, the movie is incredibly beautiful.

But even all these positive aspects can't save the movie from its main problem - the terrible ending. After two hours of screen time, which, despite its flaws, is still interesting and holds the attention, the movie gives out a silly ending. The finale feels like a spit in the face to those who were hoping for a decent sequel. Whereas the first movie ended on a high note, offering room for reflection, here the ending leaves only disappointment. Without spoilers, I will say that the decision that was made for the final scene seems not only illogical, but also destructive to everything that has come up to that point.

“Joker: Madness for Two” is the biggest disappointment of the year. Music should create, but not destroy.