Joaquin Phoenix Says ‘There’s a Warmth’ to Arthur’s Fate in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’; Todd Phillips Thinks Arthur Ends the Film ‘at Peace Being Himself’

As a longtime admirer of Joaquin Phoenix‘s acting prowess and a devoted follower of the Joker saga, I must say that “Joker: Folie à Deux” has left me with a unique blend of emotions. The ending, although unconventional for comic book movie fans, is a testament to the depth and complexity that Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck offers.

SPOILER ALERT: This story includes details about the ending of “Joker: Folie à Deux‘

Folie à Deux”, it’s implied that Arthur finds peace when the movie ends. This was confirmed by both Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips in an interview with IGN.

Phoenix commented on the scene of Arthur’s death, noting its cozy feel. He explained, “What I was drawn to, what I was aiming for, was this: here is a young man who’s about to share a joke with me, and he seems anxious to tell it. I can sense his anxiety, and I want to listen. And the setup for that joke turns out to be quite funny.

The situation unfolds when an inmate moves towards Arthur, sharing a funny story with him. Arthur agrees, and this action is seen by Phoenix and Phillips as a sign of peace from the character. Arthur, having decided to prioritize himself, has discarded the Joker persona that society imposed on him, and this decision prompts him to find amusement in someone else’s joke.

Phillips stated, ‘I believe Arthur accepted the concept, despite the difficulties, that it’s alright to be true to oneself. In essence, this is something he had always wrestled with, if you catch my drift?’ He further added, ‘I imagine he passed away contentedly, living authentically.’

The director added, ‘The child asks him, “Do you want to hear a joke?” Despite his suspicion that Lee might be downstairs, a place we’re unsure about, Arthur’s optimism remains. He responds, “Sure, why not?” because he understands the joy of making someone smile. The child gets this chance, but as usual for Arthur, things go awry. Yet, I always find that moment poignant, showcasing Arthur’s enduring hope.’

Phillips observed, “Joaquin is strikingly beautiful in that particular scene. It’s a seemingly insignificant moment, disregarding the grim subject of death. The instance where he looks at the child and gently laughs politely in the setup – it’s an expression of appreciation for the humor and for taking risks. In a way, nobody showed him this kind of recognition in the first movie.

In the film titled ‘Joker: Folie à Deux,’ comic book movie enthusiasts have expressed strong criticism since its debut, particularly over its musical aspects and its controversial ending. Unlike the iconic Joker from the comics, the character Arthur ultimately perishes and doesn’t transform into the Joker as fans are accustomed to. Instead, the inmate who fatally stabs him leaves a Glasgow smile on his face using the same blade. This suggests that this inmate might be the real Joker, having been influenced by Arthur Fleck’s story.

Todd Phillips stated to IGN, “Perhaps you’ve never viewed the script for the initial film. The first movie is titled Joker. It isn’t called ‘The Joker’, it’s simply Joker.” He also mentioned that the script always referred to it as “an origin story”, not “the origin story”. This suggests that maybe this isn’t actually ‘The Joker’. Instead, it could be the spark that led to the creation of The Joker. So, in essence, at the end of the movie, you’re left wondering, ‘What’s happening behind him? Is that the man?’

“Joker: Folie à Deux” is now playing in theaters from Warner Bros.

2024-10-10 01:46

Joaquin Phoenix Says ‘There’s a Warmth’ to Arthur’s Fate in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’; Todd Phillips Thinks Arthur Ends the Film ‘at Peace Being Himself’

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