Complex Relationship Between Joker and Ricky in Joker: Folie à Deux

The 2019 Joker film took the world by storm, with Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck captivating audiences. The film offered a dark, gritty take on the Joker’s origin story, focusing on a failed comedian who spirals into madness. Now, in Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel continues to explore Arthur’s psyche, introducing new layers to his complex character. A standout addition to this sequel is Ricky, an Arkham inmate who plays a surprisingly pivotal role in Arthur’s journey.

But who is Ricky, and why is his relationship with Arthur so important in Joker: Folie à Deux?

Arthur Fleck’s Loneliness and the Role of Ricky

One of the central themes in the Joker franchise is Arthur’s isolation. From his miserable existence as a failed comedian to his transition into Gotham’s most notorious criminal, Arthur has always been depicted as a loner. In Joker: Folie à Deux, this loneliness is more profound than ever, and Ricky’s character serves as a reflection of Arthur’s need for connection.

At first glance, Ricky may seem like just another inmate at Arkham, someone insignificant in the grander scheme of things. However, as the story unfolds, Ricky emerges as a key figure who influences Arthur’s emotional state. Their relationship is rooted in shared trauma and despair, with Ricky offering Arthur something he rarely find loyalty. Ricky, in his role as Arthur’s sidekick, provides a brief respite from the betrayals and disappointments that have marked Arthur’s life.

The Loyalty and Devotion of Ricky

Ricky isn’t just another inmate he’s Arthur’s best friend in Arkham, unwavering in his devotion. Throughout Joker: Folie à Deux, Ricky is portrayed as a fanboy of the Joker persona, eagerly supporting Arthur as his criminal case unfolds. From singing Arthur’s praises to defending him against guards, Ricky becomes the one person Arthur can rely on.

What makes Ricky’s devotion so significant is the stark contrast it presents to the betrayals Arthur faces outside of Arkham. His former colleagues testified against him, his ex-crush Sophie exposed his mental health struggles, and the world turned its back on him. But Ricky stands by his side, providing Arthur with a sense of belonging, even if it’s only temporary.

Ricky’s Tragic Demise and Its Impact on Arthur

As much as Ricky offers a glimmer of hope for Arthur, the reality of life in Arkham soon catches up with them. The turning point comes when Ricky meets a brutal end at the hands of a guard named Jackie Sullivan. After witnessing Arthur’s growing influence within the prison, the guards seek to humiliate him and reassert their control. Ricky’s death is shocking, especially because of its sheer brutality he’s strangled to death while Arthur, broken and powerless, listens from his cell.

This moment serves as a critical turning point for Arthur. Up until Ricky’s death, Arthur had been consumed by his internal battles, struggling to reconcile his Joker persona with his humanity. Ricky’s death forces Arthur to confront the harsh reality of his situation: despite his Joker identity, he is still subject to the violence and cruelty of the world. Ricky’s demise isn’t just a loss of a friend, it’s a symbolic reminder of the fragility of human connection in Arthur’s world.

Arthur’s Response to Ricky’s Death: A Turning Point in the Film

The loss of Ricky becomes the final straw for Arthur. At this point in Joker: Folie à Deux, Arthur is consumed by despair and disillusionment. He even fires his lawyer, believing he can handle his trial alone. His obsession with Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn a figure who also represents his yearning for connection fuels his desire to win his freedom. However, Ricky’s death forces him to reevaluate his priorities.

In an emotional and dramatic moment, Arthur decides to confess all of his crimes. He admits that the Joker persona was a facade, and he begins to understand the repercussions of his behaviour. In a way, Ricky’s death acts as a wake-up call for Arthur, leading him to the realization that he cannot escape the consequences of his actions, no matter how powerful the Joker persona makes him feel.

The Symbolism Behind Arthur and Ricky’s Relationship

Ricky’s presence in Joker: Folie à Deux serves as more than just a narrative device. His character plays a crucial role in highlighting Arthur’s emotional turmoil and evolution. One of the most striking scenes between Arthur and Ricky occurs when Arthur kisses Ricky during a yard time session at Arkham. The moment, initially appearing as a bizarre and absurd act, is a powerful commentary on Arthur’s mental state.

Encouraged by the guards, Arthur’s kiss is not motivated by affection or desire but by his need for a fleeting connection in a world devoid of genuine emotion. The kiss symbolizes Arthur’s willingness to comply with whatever is asked of him, a reflection of his profound emotional detachment and the extent to which his imprisonment has broken him. The guards’ laughter turns the moment into a cruel joke, further emphasizing the absurdity of Arthur’s situation and his disillusionment with life.

Ricky’s Death and Arthur’s Attempt at Redemption

Ricky’s death triggers a chain of events that lead to Arthur’s downfall. After losing the one person who showed him loyalty, Arthur realizes that even his Joker persona cannot save him. Ricky’s demise acts as a catalyst for Arthur’s self-reflection, marking the beginning of the end for the notorious criminal.

The film’s final act sees Arthur grappling with the consequences of his actions, attempting to clean up his act while in jail. However, his efforts are ultimately futile, and Arthur’s story ends in tragedy, mirroring the dark path he has walked throughout his life. Ricky’s role in this journey is significant, as his death inadvertently leads to Arthur’s downfall.

Ricky’s Role as a Catalyst for Change in Joker: Folie à Deux

While Ricky may seem like a minor character at first, his role in Joker: Folie à Deux is pivotal in shaping Arthur’s character arc. Through his loyalty, Ricky offers Arthur a brief sense of belonging, but his tragic death serves as a harsh reminder of the violence and cruelty that define Arthur’s world. Ricky’s demise ultimately forces Arthur to confront the consequences of his actions, leading him to a moment of self-realization and, ultimately, his downfall.

In Joker: Folie à Deux, Ricky’s presence is a powerful narrative tool, symbolizing both the hope for human connection and the inevitable tragedy that comes with it in Arthur’s world. His relationship with Arthur is complex, filled with loyalty, betrayal, and profound emotional significance, making him an essential character in the film’s exploration of Arthur Fleck’s tortured psyche.