Joaquin Phoenix Delivers Insights on Joker 2’s Divisive Ending
Joaquin Phoenix has shared his perspective on the controversial conclusion of Joker 2: Folie à Deux. Following the release of the sequel to the popular 2019 supervillain film Joker, there has been a mix of praise and criticism. The movie has not met box office expectations and has faced scrutiny from fans and critics alike. Folie à Deux picks up after the events of the original film, focusing on Arthur Fleck (aka Joker), portrayed by Phoenix, as he faces trial for his crimes. The narrative introduces Lee Quinzel (played by Lady Gaga), a new interpretation of the iconic Batman character Harley Quinn. Warning: spoilers ahead for the ending of Joker: Folie à Deux.
In the final scenes of the film, Fleck decides to abandon his Joker persona and returns to prison. As Fleck is informed about a visitor, he is led down a corridor by a guard, only to encounter another prisoner (played by Connor Storrie), who proceeds to stab him multiple times with a shiv. This inmate then carves a smile onto his own face, resembling the Joker, while Fleck succumbs to his injuries on the ground. The conclusion has sharply divided viewers, but Phoenix and Joker director Todd Phillips have come forward to support the ending.
Phoenix expressed his view on the scene, stating, “There’s a warmth in that scene, which is nice. That’s all that I was thinking about that I was after, is here’s this young man who’s telling me a joke, and he’s nervous to tell me the joke, I can tell that he’s nervous, and I’m going to hear him out. And it’s a pretty good setup.” Phillips also defended the ending, highlighting that Arthur finds solace in accepting himself. “I think Arthur has found peace with the idea, with the struggle that it’s okay to be yourself… He’s like, ‘Well, yeah, okay, of course’, because he knows that feeling of wanting to make somebody laugh.”
Although some viewers have criticised the conclusion for its perceived nihilism and lack of a climax, Phillips argued that the final scene carries a sense of hope. He emphasised, “Obviously it goes bad because, again, everything goes bad for Arthur, but I always think that’s such a beautiful moment where it’s like Arthur still has hope… That moment where he’s looking at the kid and he’s kind of giving the kid a polite laugh in the setup. He’s showing appreciation for the comedy and appreciation for putting yourself out there.”
While the ending has sparked debate among fans, Phillips believes that the scene encapsulates a moment of connection and understanding for Arthur. Joker 2 is currently showing in cinemas, inviting audiences to experience this thought-provoking narrative firsthand.