★★★★★★★★★☆ (9/10)

While the 2019 Joker achieved undeserved success, the 2024 Joker is hated by everyone. However, it’s a much more original film than the first.

by Raimondo Rossi aka Ray Morrison

The latest trend these days is to criticize Todd Phillips’ 2024 Joker. Hordes of diehard fans of the 2019 Joker—which, let’s remember, didn’t win and didn’t even come close to winning the Oscar for Best Picture—are ruthlessly attacking Joker: Folie à Deux, Phillips’ latest work, featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.

What happened? People expected a repeat of the familiar, predictable 2019 film, where family, society, and various injustices drove poor Joaquin Phoenix mad. Instead, they’re faced with a deep dive into the psyche of an even sicker society, one that exploits all forms of life without conscience or scruple. I’m not sure what audiences were expecting—perhaps splashes of blood here and there, a film devoid of creativity and experimentation, with no nods to musicals, no songs interwoven into the psychological journey of the protagonists. Perhaps they were hoping for a superhero flying over Gotham City’s skies, carrying away all their sorrows and avenging the wrongs they’ve suffered since childhood.

Instead, we’re presented with Todd Phillips’ effort to explore a genre that few filmmakers worldwide dare to touch. In recent cinematic history, we’ve shifted from comic books to unashamed splatter films. The psychological journey Phillips takes us on, revealing the shadows and even darker corners of modern society and the minds of each of us, may have frightened many.

It’s uncomfortable to acknowledge that the truly insane and dangerous people aren’t those who roll on the ground screaming or acting wildly. The most dangerous minds are the ones who methodically destroy, violate, and abuse others’ souls. Decades ago, there were no trials for mental abuse, stalking, or psychological violence; thankfully, today there are. This film helps us understand just how harmful these actions are and how devoid of humanity they can be. Phillips rips away the veil we sometimes place before our eyes to avoid seeing reality.

It’s incredible how this film has sparked a popular revolt, with voices crying out against it. Perhaps it’s because people dislike the discussion of psychological abuse when it’s not accompanied by physical violence? That remains a mystery, given the hatred this film is facing. Fortunately, I’ve seen a few critics who still appreciate the effort behind it.

We’re left with a bitter taste—hearts mercilessly destroying others’ lives, even if those lives belong to monsters. In this film, everyone is exploited: whether you’re a lamb or a lion, there will always be someone ready to abuse you. We should never let our guard down, but everyone does—even the most wicked souls.

This film, centered on psychological vampirism and the victims who often offer their necks to their abusers, might offer valuable insights for many aspects of life—work, family, and relationships. Nine stars out of ten: go see it, and don’t follow the crowd. Enjoy the smaller messages Phillips offers as well, such as the obsessions we have with our own projections and desires. Happy Joker viewing.

Poster by http://www.impawards.com/2024/joker_folie_a_deux_ver2.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76516046

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