BBC critics slam new Joker: Tedious and disappointing film

After the success of Joker in 2019, directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenixfans were eager to see the villain in full form in the next film. The expectation was that the sequel, Joker: Delirium for Twoshowed the protagonist finally assuming his role as the greatest enemy of the Batmanbut Phillips chose a different, more introspective and psychological path, which may divide opinions.

Crime Mastermind

The first film was praised for the depth with which it explored the psyche of Arthur Fleckbut it also frustrated by not showing the character completely as the Joker from the comics. Now, with the sequel, many expected Phillips to take that step, showing Fleck as the master criminal of Gotham. However, the director continues to delve into Fleck’s emotional fragility, leaving aside the typical villain action.

Missed opportunity

Much of Joker: Delirium for Two takes place in the asylum Arkhamwhere Fleck is hospitalized. Phillips focuses on the psychological dilemmas and debates about his sanity, which could be an interesting creative choice, but for fans who were expecting more action and violence, the film may feel like a missed opportunity.

Lady Gaga

One of the highlights of the film is the introduction of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. Your character, Lee Quinzelis a fan who encourages Fleck to reclaim his identity as Joker. However, the musical scenes between Gaga and Phoenix, although innovative, end up slowing down the pace of the narrative, generating a certain disappointment for those who expected a more chaotic approach to the couple.

Harvey Dent

The film explores little the relationship between Fleck and other central characters from the universe of Gothamas the prosecutor Harvey Dentwho will later become the villain Two-Face. Rather than advancing the development of these villains, the film remains focused on debates about Fleck’s mind, which may frustrate comic book fans.

Lady Gaga Performance

The music therapy scenes between Fleck and Lee are where Joker: Delirium for Two tries to be more daring. Phillips introduces musical numbers, with emphasis on the performance of Lady Gagawhich brings a touch of glamour and romanticism to the plot. However, these sequences contribute little to the development of the story and seem to exist more to fill time than to deepen the characters.

Demystifying the “revolutionary hero”

While this is a bold choice, Phillips risks alienating some audiences with this approach. While the first film was widely seen as a social critique, this sequel seems more concerned with demystifying Fleck, portraying him as a selfish man with no clear purpose, which could be interpreted as an attempt to correct the “revolutionary hero” image that some fans have attributed to him.

Conclusion

The film, while intriguing, does not deliver what many expected: seeing Fleck as the Joker classic. Instead, Phillips delivers a character study that continues to eschew the action that defines the villain in the comics, resulting in a denser but also less satisfying film in terms of entertainment.

Summary for those in a hurry:

• Joker: Delirium for Two continues to focus on the psychological side of Arthur Fleckfrustrating expectations of seeing the villain in full action.
• The film takes place in the asylum Arkham and in court, focusing on debates over Fleck’s sanity.
• Lady Gaga shines like Harley Quinnbut the musical scenes contribute little to the plot.
• We don’t see the Joker as the criminal mastermind that many expected, but rather a Fleck still trapped in his internal dilemmas.
• The presence of Harvey Dent and other characters from Gotham does not progress as expected.
• The introspective approach may be seen as bold, but it leaves something to be desired in terms of action and dynamism.