It’s been a couple of years now since the world was dazzled by Todd Phillips’ rendition of Joker. Joaquin Phoenix’s unbeatable performance introduced us to the troubled Arthur Fleck, a man pushed to madness by an unforgiving society, giving birth to one of the most iconic villains. With a successful reception, a sequel was only natural, and shooting has actually already begun, aiming for a 2024 release window.
There has been a lot of speculation based on the little information available. First, and foremost, the popular artist Lady Gaga has been confirmed as the upcoming Harley Quinn for this second installment. The working title, Joker: Folie À Deux, foretells an important role for the songwriter/actress, and Todd Phillips has already given details on another aspect related to Gaga’s involvement: the film will have many musical sequences.
Based on this, speculation is at an all-time high as what we expect to see in the Joker’s second entry. The character’s very special insanity, Phoenix’s approach to it, Lady Gaga’s upcoming participation, and Phillip’s cinematography leads us to expect only the best from the movie. Here are a few ideas of what could be worth watching for a more musical sequel.
A Glimpse Inside Joker’s Mind
The first Joker movie did so many things very well. In particular, as the story progresses, we get a glimpse of Arthur Fleck’s troubled mind, the duality that lives within him, and how he unleashes his full self by turning into the psychopath that haunts Gotham. A new entry should find his lunacy at new levels, with the cinematography showing how the line that separated reality and his own world is now completely erased. It’s only logical that a good combination of macabre imagery and music becomes a good metaphor for the silver screen.
The musical genre sometimes awakens the prejudice of reluctant viewers who don’t enjoy sudden musical numbers. Joker 2 might have one or two songs (you cannot cast Lady Gaga and not ask her to write something for the occasion), but we should probably expect a more allegorical use of audiovisual hysteria. To properly give viewers the Joker and Harley’s points of view, musical numbers with a surreal touch would definitely be a win for the movie.
In the end, based on different Joker representations, the villain lives in this constant ambivalence where he seems detached from reality or sees the absurd behind it, acting madly. That eerie sense for many that musical numbers suddenly take the scene would actually be an accurate metaphor for the Joker’s explosive derangement.
Joker’s Army Is The Perfect Ensemble
Another important aspect of the first film was the movement initiated by the Joker. Though absolutely dangerous and violent for society, the Joker seduces numerous people who have been left out of the system in one way or another. This component was always present in Batman’s lore, explaining why even the latest film appearance of the masked warrior also featured a different villain, the Riddler, recruiting deranged people willing to follow him.
Going back to Joker’s minions, they are the executive arm of the villain. Not only they can help him realize his wildest plans but more importantly, they are the perfect ensemble for the musical side of the film. Joaquin Phoenix already added a spice of dancing in the first one, and musicals are known for a vast team of dancers behind them. An army of jokers terrorizing the city to the sound of a musical extravaganza would be a perfect way of incorporating the music and the Joker army.
Gaga’s Harley Begs for Music
Ok, this one is a given, but we cannot stress it enough. Adding Lady Gaga to the film is a very interesting choice, as she has proven her talent for music and acting, as well as having a unique style in terms of aesthetic. Gaga is the perfect fit for a renewed Harley Quinn, a character that has gained notoriety for Margot Robbie’s memorable representation. As mentioned above, Lady Gaga’s involvement must have something to do with the tone shift of the movie to a more musical one.
Though the Joker and Harley Quinn seem like a match made in hell, each of them has a very particular craziness. Choosing Gaga to further expand Harley’s insanity with music is original, to say the least. As long as the actress/songwriter has some freedom to create, we can expect a climactic hit that encompasses the whole tone of the movie. Until now, she has proven to choose her film roles wisely, and this one does not seem to be an exception, but now, the ball is in Todd Phillips’ court, and it’s his call on how much creative freedom Lady Gaga will have.
As the hype grows for 2024, we’ll keep an eye on every new image from the set and interviews that can give the audiences a hint of the perverse musical mayhem that Joker: Folie À Deux is expected to be.