Review of Joker: Folie á Deux, 2024, directed by Todd Phillips starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga
After a couple of days of having no thoughts, I have now decided I liked it.
The movie was a great production. Totally disturbing and uncomfortable and gruesome the way a Joker movie should be. Phoenix and Gaga were awesome too.
I have come to the conclusion (hoping I have understood this as the conclusion put forward by the movie) that performers do not have two personalities. Performers are not their true self when they are off stage without makeup, nor are they expressing their truer self in the assumed identity in performance. They are just one complex person.
Is Joker ill?
Is Arthur Fleck ill?
Is Joker Arthur?
Is Arthur Joker?
Who was it that committed the crimes, and who is it that is being imprisoned, tried, and punished?
Can you separate the Art from the Artist?
People ask me this question all the time as someone who appreciates art, artists, and is personally an artist who makes art.
I have a couple of answers to this question.
Firstly is that horrible people can, have, and will continue to produce artwork of such great quality and fine artistry that you cannot deny their skill or talent. I think we all can agree on this.
The question of whether these artists deserve congratulations or even respect is complicated. I want to say they do. But I am uncertain of my logic.
What I am certain of is how to answer this question from the perspective of the artist. I would be so hurt if someone was to take my art not knowing me or my story. My art is inextricably me. You cannot fully understand or appreciate my work without my personality, my history, and my values.
So can you separate the artist from the art? Please don’t do it to me!
Back to Joker.
The opening comic short shows Joker’s shadow lock Joker in the closet, dress up in his clothes and makeup to perform as his own individual.
It is seen through how Arthur’s lawyer relates to him and how Joker’s girlfriend Lee Quinzel relate to him that you see his identity crisis described.
The lawyer certain that Arthur is sick, Joker is his second split created personality.
Lee is certain that Joker is the real hero of the people being restrained by psychiatric medication.
Arthur/Joker, is caught in the middle. His conflict expressed so intensely, I’ve taken it on as my own.
5 stars with a moment of hesitation because it made me feel sick.
You’d better watch the movie yourself.
Comments