Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for Joker: Folie a Deux. Joker: Folie a Deux takes viewers deeper into the dark and disturbing universe of Arthur Fleck, offering a fresh, albeit dark, interpretation of familiar DC characters. Although firmly rooted within DC Comics, this film operates outside of the main DC Universe timeline, classifying itself as DC Elseworlds. This allows for a more unrestrained exploration of DC’s most infamous characters.
Joker: Folie a Deux follows Arthur Fleck, whose meteoric rise to infamy culminates in a series of riots in Gotham City. Following the events of the first Joker film, Arthur finds himself in Arkham Asylum, where he meets new figures who will shape his path. The most notable of these is Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn, with whom Arthur Fleck quickly falls in love. The film delves into the psychological consequences of Arthur’s previous actions, and some new characters are taken straight from DC Comics.
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Arthur Fleck – new version of the Joker
Played by Joaquin Phoenix Arthur Fleck’s evolution into the Joker is explored through the lens of generational trauma and social neglect.
The character of Arthur Fleck, masterfully played by Joaquin Phoenix, is a fresh and unconventional version of the Joker. Although previous depictions were often based directly on comic books, Joker: Folie a Deux is firmly rooted in a more nuanced psychological exploration of its protagonist. This film expands on the foundation laid in the first part. assuming Arthur is not the Joker from the comicsbut rather a separate creation. Arthur’s tale is thus a personal narrative that stands in stark contrast to the typical chaotic elements of the character’s lore.
In comics, the Joker often embodies the unreliable narrator archetype, a trope that strongly touches on themes of identity and perception. His infamous quote suggests that he prefers his origin story to be “multiple choice” reflecting the unpredictable nature of his character. Instead of a single transformation (like a chemical bath from the comics), Arthur Fleck’s evolution into the Joker is explored through the lens of generational trauma and social neglect.. This doesn’t match any existing Joker origin story, although there are some similarities, including an unreliable narrator.
The public reaction to Arthur’s violence in Joker caused violence, leading many to speculate that the “real” Joker might arise inspired by Arthur’s actions. This was stated shortly after Joker, but was confirmed in Joker: Folie a DeuxWith shocking and revealing climax. While being transferred to another area of Arkham, Arthur Fleck is stabbed by an Arkham inmate. This follows shortly after Arthur denounces the Joker’s portrayal. Both of these statements suggest that Artus is not the real Joker, setting the stage for a new Clown Prince of Crime.
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The REAL version of the Joker revealed
Played by Connor Storrie
Final points Joker: Folie a Deux introduce a figure who is implied to be the “real” Joker, suggesting that the legacy of madness is far from over. This character, who mortally wounded Arthur, makes a chilling joke that repeats Arthur’s words “You’ll get what the hell you deserve.” from Joker. His laugh—an unsettling, almost maniacal echo of Arthur’s—hints at a transformation into a more traditional portrayal of the Joker, full of disturbing quirks and creepy behavior.
Like a young prisoner in Joker: Folie a Deux cuts his face in the background during Arthur’s death. This character appears to be carving a smile onto his face, which is reminiscent of previous portrayals of the Joker such as Heath Ledger and Barry Keoghan. This act of self-harm also has its roots in comics, where the Joker once cut off his own face. Joker: Folie a Deux suggests that while Arthur Fleck’s journey may be over, The Joker’s chaotic nature continues in othershinting at the potential cycle of violence and madness that is emblematic of the character’s legacy.
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Harley Quinn is a DC character who has undergone many changes.
Performed by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is radically different from the comics. IN Foley-a-Douxthe character is known as Harley Quinzel, or simply “Lee”, a departure from the comics, where her real name was Harleen. Lee from Joker: Folie a Deux is a much more sophisticated and powerful version of Harleywho, instead of falling victim to the Joker’s manipulations, actively seeks him out.
Lee’s obsession with Arthur Fleck marks a sharp departure from the traditional narrative, showcasing her as an agency figure.not just a pawn in the Joker’s chaotic game. IN Joker: Folie a DeuxLee voluntarily enters Arkham Asylum, hoping to contact Arthur. This is markedly different from the comics, where Harley started out as a psychologist, working as the Joker’s doctor, who was slowly seduced by the villain.
This change highlights a key theme of the film: the intersection of obsession, madness and desire. Lee’s character demonstrates manipulative tendencies. this complicates her relationship with Arthur, presenting her as someone who wields power in ways that challenge traditional dynamics. Unlike the comics, where Harley is often portrayed as submissive and abused, in this film she is positioned as having much more control over Arthur.
However, the line between reality and illusion is blurring everywhere, and some parts Joker: Folie a Deux calling into question whether Harley is truly always present or is a figment of Arthur’s imagination. This ambiguity adds layers to her character, suggesting that Arthur’s psyche may be creating a version of Harley that reflects his own desires and fears.. As the narrative progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to discern whether Lee’s motives are rooted in genuine affection for Arthur or in her shared madness with the Joker.
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Harvey Dent as a classic Batman villain
Played by Harry Lawtey
As a respected figure in Gotham’s justice system, Harvey Dent represents the law and order that Arthur Fleck is trying to destroy.. His character is introduced as the meticulous assistant district attorney prosecuting Arthur Fleck for his crimes in Joker. Harvey Dent is working hard to disprove the defense’s claim that the Joker was a separate person.
This is the image reminiscent of the tragic arc that Dent will eventually undergo.transforming from a symbol of justice into the infamous villain known as Two-Face. His earnest attempts to uphold the law are interrupted by the chaos surrounding Arthur’s case, hinting at the systemic corruption at the heart of the city. While Dent struggles to cope with the consequences of Arthur’s actions, Joker: Folie a Deux foreshadows his own descent into darkness. The turning point comes when a car bomb goes off outside a Gotham courthouse, damaging Dent’s face and symbolizing the collapse of his ideals.
This incident serves as the catalyst for Dent’s transformation, suggesting that the chaos caused by Arthur Fleck’s actions may ignite the villainous Two-Face personality within him (as well as the real Joker). The film draws parallels between Arthur’s madness and Dent’s subsequent corruption, reinforcing the idea that violence and trauma can have a profound impact on even the most principled people.. Although not shown in Joker: Foile a DeuxDent would likely be similarly ostracized due to his facial scars, triggering his turn to villainy as in the comics.
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