The Joker's serenade: A love song for the criminally insane

The sequel to Joker delves deeper into Arthur Fleck's psyche as he finds love and music in Arkham Asylum.

There have been various interpretations of the Joker throughout the years, but Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal in "Joker" was a unique departure. Instead of a criminal mastermind, we saw a lonely, troubled man whose internal struggles led to violence. "Joker: Folie À Deux" continues this exploration of Arthur Fleck's psyche as he enters Arkham Asylum and forms a bond with Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn.

Director Todd Phillips emphasized to Empire that the film won't transform Fleck into a criminal mastermind. Instead, it focuses on his newfound love and the music within him. This purity of character exploration leads to an unexpected twist: the film incorporates musical elements.

Joaquin Phoenix explains that Arthur's singing reflects his upbringing, with imperfect phrasing and occasional bum notes. Lady Gaga, a professional singer, encouraged Phoenix to embrace his unique style. Their collaboration promises a captivating cinematic duet.

To learn more about the making of this rule-breaking sequel, read Empire's exclusive cover feature in the September 2024 issue. "Joker: Folie À Deux" arrives in UK cinemas on October 4th.