Paul Schrader, known for his unfiltered opinions, recently made waves by harshly criticizing Joker: Folie à Deux, the highly anticipated sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 Joker. This follow-up film, released on October 4, 2024, stars Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga as Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn, continuing the dark saga in an unexpected musical format. Yet Schrader, who famously wrote Taxi Driver, the film that heavily influenced the original Joker, didn’t hesitate to express his disappointment after seeing snippets of the sequel.
In an interview with Interview Magazine, Schrader recalled leaving the theater after only 10 to 15 minutes, stating that he was thoroughly unimpressed. He returned for another short viewing but found no reason to stay longer. His critique didn’t stop at the film’s pacing. When asked why Folie à Deux left such a bad taste in his mouth, Schrader bluntly responded, “I don’t like either of those people. I don’t like them as actors. I don’t like them as characters.”
The film’s estimated $150-200 million loss at the box office only compounds Schrader’s disdain for what many hoped would be a successful and artistic continuation of Joker. He even went so far as to say that the characters were unappealing on a fundamental level, likening them to guests you would avoid at a party.
While Joker: Folie à Deux tries to push boundaries with its musical elements, Schrader’s remarks raise a valid question: was this the right direction?
While I’m a fan of artistic risks, Folie à Deux seems to have missed the mark by straying too far from its predecessor’s gritty realism. It’s surprising that someone with Schrader’s credentials would walk out so quickly, but his points about casting and character depth do resonate. Though I’m curious to see how audiences at large will react, Schrader’s critique certainly foreshadows the possibility of a divided reception.
Do you think Joker: Folie à Deux took too many risks by turning into a musical, or does this fresh approach have potential to captivate new audiences?
