Joker (2019)

[thecolorsblend]

It's happening. JOKER is a truly special movie and no matter what happens next we will always have it. The first film was labelled unnecessary before it was made and the same will be said of the sequel. The prospect of the same creative team getting back together does excite me, especially when I know the focus is firmly focused on acting and concept. Once Phoenix loses a ton of weight and gets into character there's a good chance magic will happen.

I feel put in my place after reading this comment. But it's true. The same creative powers behind the original are coming back for the sequel. That should be enough to quiet my doubts and concerns.

And COVID notwithstanding, this will be a considerable gap between the original and the sequel. A 2024 release date is my guess. That makes five years between films. My hope is the gap indicates that everyone involved is taking their time to make sure the second effort is worthwhile.

Strangely, I find myself dwelling on Hildur Guðnadóttir and hoping that she comes back for the sequel because her score for the original is one of my favorites of all time.

[The Dark Knight]

With insane cost of living pressures and a sharp divide between the general public and the protected, there is fertile ground for a Joker sequel. Especially if it gets released around 2024. The world of the Joker is a commentary on society as much as anything else. I am not exaggerating when I say Joker is perhaps my favorite DC film of all time, and even eclipses the likes of Falling Down. Arthur contemplates suicide but decides to point the barrel at others, first for self defence and finally for revenge. I love everything about it. Phillips and Phoenix seem to have a strong working relationship, and even if the studio forced a sequel they'd have to agree on character and script decisions. Ledger didn't get the opportunity to reprise the role, but Phoenix does. Let's ride that train while we can.

[Travesty]

I'm extremely happy to see that this is moving forward. I can't wait to hear more about this.

[Gotham Knight]

I have a feeling that this sequel will ultimately determine whether the first one is good or not. On its own I've soured a lot on this picture and think it is way overrated. This sequel has the potential to change all of that. We'll see.

[The Dark Knight]

I'm extremely happy to see that this is moving forward. I can't wait to hear more about this.

I have a feeling that this sequel will ultimately make the first one better. On its own I've elevated my opinion a lot and think it is way underrated if anything. We'll see.

[thecolorsblend]

I'm extremely happy to see that this is moving forward. I can't wait to hear more about this.

I have a feeling that this sequel will ultimately make the first one better. On its own I've elevated my opinion a lot and think it is way underrated if anything. We'll see.

Indeed. And there is character-driven potential for a sequel.

What I find interesting is how transparent the original production was. Iirc, by this equivalent point, we'd already gotten Phoenix's costume fitting edited into a trailer set to a song. When's the last time something as esoteric as a costume fitting was released to the public before the movie?

But with the sequel, we've only seen the cover of the script. Seems like Phillips has the ability to play things close to the vest this time around. I see that as (mostly) a positive thing.

Trepidations aside, between JOKER 2 and Top Gun: Maverick, I am enjoying being excited about sequels to stuff. It's a refreshing change of pace for me.

[The Dark Knight]

This image was also released of Phoenix reading the script:



So this is not a joke or a game. It is happening and the transparency continues.

What I love about JOKER is how it treats the character as a real person and gives him a sense of authenticity that we haven't ever really had. And I don't say that to disparage the other incarnations, as they clearly had different intentions. This universe manages to have its cake and eat it too, simultaneously being a comic based film (all the psychological components of the Joker are absolutely there) but also not being one. I think that attracts Phoenix and Phillips to the concept in the same way it does me.

[The Joker]

What I am wondering right now, is that with "Folie à Deux" (meaning "Madness for Two") is in french, might this sequel take cinematic inspiration from the French New Wave and François Truffaut? Just as the JOKER took inspiration from the New Hollywood era, and Scorsese.

Might be looking way too deep into the title, but it is a thought ....

[thecolorsblend]

What I am wondering right now, is that with "Folie à Deux" (meaning "Madness for Two") is in french, might this sequel take cinematic inspiration from the French New Wave and François Truffaut? Just as the JOKER took inspiration from the New Hollywood era, and Scorsese.

Might be looking way too deep into the title, but it is a thought ....

Actually, the "for two" part sort of plays into my fear that this might become The Harley Show, because modern clown world. Gotta have those female characters running around. Whether anybody wants them or not.

What I'm hoping is that the "à Deux" part is a self-referential acknowledgement that this is a sequel and the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Fleck.

[The Dark Knight]

I don't have a problem with Quinzel appearing if she's in her vulnerable interviewer state. Unless I'm way off, I can't see Phillips or Phoenix going down the full blown Margot Harley route. That's why I'm not worried about the idea, which is possible if we receive a film prominently inside Arkham Hospital. We've seen Fleck suffer and use violence. Emotional manipulation could be the next evolution we see play out. It's an exciting possibility given we haven't seen it before. Suicide Squad had abusive elements with the Joker/Harley relationship before it was cut to ribbons. JOKER's team needs to be uncompromising and play the 'this isn't an endorsement of such behavior' card.