What You Need to Know Before Watching the Dark Sequel Joker Folie à Deux
The highly anticipated release of Joker: Folie à Deux is just around the corner, promising to dive even deeper into the twisted psyche of Arthur Fleck. As we prepare to return to the dark streets of Gotham, let’s take a look back at the key events from the 2019 film Joker and see what crucial moments might shape the direction of the sequel.
Arthur Fleck’s Transformation into the Joker: A Sinister Origin Story
In Joker (2019), Joaquin Phoenix delivered a haunting portrayal of Arthur Fleck, a man whose descent into madness turned him into one of Gotham’s most feared symbols of chaos. The movie revealed a darker, more disturbing version of the iconic DC villain, unlike anything we’ve seen before in comics or other adaptations.
Arthur’s tragic backstory, mental struggles, and inability to fit into society were the key elements that shaped his transformation into the Joker. His journey was not just about personal vengeance but also about the rise of a villain who would become a rallying point for the city’s disenfranchised.
In Joker: Folie à Deux, we can expect this story to continue, with Arthur now embracing his new identity. The sequel promises to explore the consequences of his actions, particularly as he becomes even more of a public figure, both loved and feared by the masses.
The Aftermath of the Murray Franklin Murder
Perhaps the most unforgettable moment from the first movie was Arthur Fleck’s public debut as the Joker. He appeared on The Murray Franklin Show, where he confessed to his previous murders before shooting the host, played by Robert De Niro, live on air. This shocking act sent shockwaves throughout Gotham, leading to chaos and riots in the streets.
In Folie à Deux, this murder will undoubtedly play a significant role in Arthur’s trial, as footage of the event will likely serve as crucial evidence. More than that, this televised confession became the spark that ignited a citywide uprising. Arthur’s Joker persona had moved beyond just a killer it became a symbol for the disillusioned and the angry citizens of Gotham.
Gotham’s Riots: A City on the Brink of Collapse
Arthur’s act of violence on live television set off a wave of riots across Gotham. Ordinary citizens, many of whom were already on edge due to the city’s deteriorating conditions, took to the streets, donning clown masks and wreaking havoc. The city was already a pressure cooker of unrest, and Arthur’s actions gave the populace the nudge they needed to embrace chaos.
The sequel is expected to delve deeper into these societal tensions, with many Gothamites still viewing Arthur as a symbol of their anger and frustration. The city’s class divide represented by the wealthy elites versus the struggling working class will likely continue to play a major role in Folie à Deux, with Arthur at the centre of this storm.
Incarceration in Arkham State Hospital
By the end of the first film, Arthur Fleck had been arrested and confined to Arkham State Hospital. This institution played a critical role in Arthur’s life before, as he had visited it earlier in the movie, learning disturbing truths about his mother’s past and his own origins. It was also where Arthur received medication and psychiatric care before the system failed him.
In Folie à Deux, Arthur’s story will pick up from this point, with him still incarcerated in Arkham. Trailers suggest that much of the sequel will focus on his time there, and his interactions with fellow patient Harley Quinn, portrayed by Lady Gaga. This new dynamic will bring a fresh layer to Arthur’s twisted relationships, as he connects with someone who may understand his darkness on a deeper level.
Hallucinations and Reality: The False Relationship with Sophie
One of the most chilling revelations in Joker was that Arthur’s relationship with his neighbour, Sophie, was entirely in his head. Throughout the movie, we were led to believe that Sophie was a supportive figure in Arthur’s life, only to find out later that it was all a delusion. This highlighted the depth of Arthur’s mental illness and his inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
In Folie à Deux, this theme may resurface, especially with the introduction of Harley Quinn. Unlike Sophie, who existed only in Arthur’s mind, Harley will likely become a real, tangible relationship for Arthur. Their shared madness will undoubtedly create a dangerous, chaotic bond that could propel the film’s plot forward.
Key Murders: Randall’s Death and Gary’s Survival
Arthur’s violent tendencies were fully realized when he killed Randall, a former coworker, in a particularly brutal scene. This act, along with the earlier subway killings, marked a turning point in Arthur’s transformation into the Joker. However, he chose to spare Gary, another coworker, who had always treated him kindly.
Gary’s survival is noteworthy because he’s confirmed to reappear in Folie à Deux. Seen in the trailers taking the stand in a courtroom, Gary will likely testify during Arthur’s trial, possibly shedding light on Arthur’s state of mind and actions leading up to his arrest.
The Social Divide in Gotham: Class Warfare at its Peak
Gotham City was already a powder keg of social unrest before Arthur Fleck ever became the Joker. Ongoing garbage strikes, corrupt politicians, and a wide chasm between the rich and the poor all contributed to the city’s volatile atmosphere. Arthur’s actions were simply the match that lit the fire.
In Folie à Deux, the divide between Gotham’s wealthy elites and its struggling working class is expected to play a key role. Arthur, now a symbol for the disenfranchised, will likely continue to be a focal point for Gotham’s angry citizens as they rally against the city’s elite. This tension could drive much of the sequel’s narrative, highlighting the ongoing class warfare that has plagued Gotham for years.
Arthur’s Mental Health Struggles: Pseudobulbar Affect and More
Arthur Fleck’s mental health was a central theme in the 2019 film, with his uncontrollable bouts of laughter due to a condition called pseudobulbar affect (PBA). Beyond that, Arthur also exhibited signs of depression, narcissism, and psychopathy, all of which stemmed from years of childhood abuse and neglect.
In Folie à Deux, these conditions will likely remain a key aspect of Arthur’s character, especially as they’re brought up during his trial. Arthur’s mental instability is part of what makes him such a compelling, yet terrifying, character, and his battle with these conditions will continue to shape his journey in the sequel.
The Death of Bruce Wayne’s Parents: A Key Moment in Gotham’s History
While it may not be a central focus of Folie à Deux, the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents during the riots sparked by Arthur Fleck’s actions is a significant event in Gotham’s history. This moment not only created the Joker, but it also set Bruce Wayne on the path to becoming Batman, establishing a deep connection between the two characters.
Penny Fleck: The Tragic End of Arthur’s Mother
Arthur’s relationship with his mother, Penny Fleck, was complex and deeply disturbing. Suffering from her own mental health issues, Penny abused Arthur as a child, leading to many of the issues he faced as an adult. After learning the truth about his adoption and the lies Penny had told him, Arthur killed her in one of the film’s most harrowing scenes.
This act will likely be addressed in Folie à Deux, especially as it plays into Arthur’s complicated psyche. Penny’s influence on Arthur’s life cannot be understated, and her death was a key turning point in his transformation into the Joker.
The First Murders: The Wall Street Three
Before killing Murray Franklin, Arthur’s first murders were the three wealthy men on the subway, dubbed the “Wall Street Three.” These killings marked the beginning of Arthur’s transition from a troubled man into the Joker, and they became a pivotal moment in Gotham’s descent into chaos.
In Folie à Deux, these murders will likely be revisited, especially as Arthur faces trial for his crimes. They were a critical step in his rise to fame, and they represent the first time he truly embraced the darkness within himself.
What to Expect in Joker: Folie à Deux
Joker: Folie à Deux promises to be a dark, twisted continuation of Arthur Fleck’s story, diving deeper into his psyche and exploring the consequences of his actions. With new relationships, a public trial, and a city still on the brink of collapse, the sequel is set to be just as compelling and disturbing as its predecessor. As we prepare for the release, it’s essential to remember the key moments from the first film that will shape the narrative of this highly anticipated sequel.
