The first trailer for Joker: Folie à Deux was highly anticipated and created a lot of excitement. Todd Philips’ sequel to the 2019 DC Comics film Joker has been kept a secret. Fans only knew that Joaquin Phoenix would return as Arthur Fleck, and he would be joined by Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga.
Rumors suggested that the sequel would be different from usual comic book movies because it would be a musical. Observant movie fans noticed a pattern. Since Joker was inspired by Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, would Folie à Deux pay tribute to New York, New York, a film by Todd Phillips’ favorite director, Martin Scorsese?
Joker was a major success, earning a billion dollars and 11 Academy Award nominations, including a win for Best Actor for Phoenix. It was clearly a nod to Martin Scorsese’s work. Some critics and viewers thought Phillips copied Scorsese’s themes and style too obviously.
Joker was very similar to Taxi Driver in showing a lonely man who becomes violent. Arthur Fleck is obsessed with a talk show host, Murray Franklin (played by Robert De Niro, another nod to Scorsese), and craves public approval. This idea was also central to The King of Comedy, which satirized the obsession with celebrities and viral fame.
Scorsese, who once thought about directing Joker, seems to influence Phillips’ work. Even though Joker was successful and sparked much discussion, Phillips seems to be influenced by Scorsese for his sequel. Joker: Folie à Deux will be a different take on the musical genre.
In the 1970s, Scorsese followed Taxi Driver with New York, New York, a musical film that most people forget Scorsese directed. Starring Robert De Niro and Liza Minnelli, the film told the story of two ambitious musicians who fall in love.
Scorsese combined his love for classic MGM musicals with modern filmmaking styles. The film has the same cynical tone as Taxi Driver but with an outdated musical feel.
It was slow, which is unusual for a Scorsese film. The artificial set and the downbeat relationship between the characters were striking. New York, New York is not a great artistic achievement but is interesting because of its flaws. It showed Scorsese’s bold creativity from the 1970s. Though it was a commercial and critical failure, it symbolized the excesses of New Hollywood before the blockbuster era of the 1980s.
‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Puts a Dark Twist on the Musical Genre
If Scorsese made an anti-musical, then Phillips seems to be making an unusual sequel. Comic book movies often seem to be produced in a factory-like manner. However, Joker stood out with its 70s-style visuals and a realistic portrayal of a troubled anti-hero.
Despite being part of a franchise, Phillips’ sequel looks like it will continue to be unique. Recent musicals have had hidden musical elements, but Joker: Folie à Deux will clearly embrace its musical side. The trailer shows Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn meeting in a chorus class and dancing in various settings.
The trailer suggests that the film will focus on the love of performing arts among broken people, a common theme in beloved musicals.
The film seems to have a twisted romance between two outcasts passionate about performance, similar to An American in Paris. Harley Quinn says, “I’m nobody,” showing her feeling of inadequacy compared to Arthur. The film may blend musical elements with the grim atmosphere of Gotham City.
In New York, New York, Jimmy and Francine’s love could not exist without affecting their music careers. Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn’s relationship may be special, but Gotham will suffer. Like Scorsese’s work, Joker: Folie à Deux will likely be a dark take on the musical genre.
The film will probably be somber, but if done well, it could be a unique musical experience. Phillips appears to be creating something original, even if it closely follows Scorsese’s style. If Phillips uses the Joker character to make a unique musical for a large audience, it will be impressive.
New York, New York is available to buy on Amazon.
