The film Joker: Folie à Deux, released on October 4, 2024, continues the story of Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. This sequel, directed by Todd Phillips, delves deeper into the psyche of its titular character, exploring themes of identity, mental illness, and societal rejection. As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that it not only serves as a continuation of Arthur’s journey but also as a commentary on the nature of the Joker persona itself. The ending of Joker 2 is particularly striking and has generated considerable discussion among audiences and critics alike.
The Build-Up to The Ending
The narrative of Joker: Folie à Deux primarily revolves around Arthur’s experiences in Arkham State Hospital as he awaits trial for his past crimes. The film opens with Arthur grappling with his identity and the consequences of his actions from the first movie. His lawyer, Maryanne Stewart (Catherine Keener), aims to argue that Arthur suffers from dissociative identity disorder, suggesting that the violent acts attributed to him were committed by his alter ego, the Joker.
Throughout the film, Arthur interacts with Harleen “Lee” Quinzel, played by Lady Gaga. Their relationship is complex; Lee admires Arthur’s Joker persona while simultaneously struggling with her own abusive past. This dynamic sets the stage for a tumultuous climax where personal and societal conflicts collide.
As Arthur prepares for his trial, he faces numerous challenges that test his mental state. The film depicts his descent into madness exacerbated by the harsh realities of life in Arkham, including mistreatment from guards and fellow inmates. These elements contribute to Arthur’s eventual breakdown and transformation into the Joker.
The Trial And Its Aftermath
The courtroom scenes are pivotal in Joker: Folie à Deux. During his trial, Arthur’s attorney argues that he is mentally ill and incapable of being held fully responsible for his actions. However, in a shocking turn of events during his closing statement, Arthur renounces his Joker persona. He takes full responsibility for his crimes, stating that he is not merely a product of the Joker but rather a man who made conscious choices leading to violence.
This revelation devastates Lee and causes a rift between them. Her admiration for the Joker clashes with Arthur’s rejection of that identity.
As she storms out of the courtroom in anger, it becomes clear that Arthur’s desire for acceptance and love is ultimately unfulfilled.
The jury finds Arthur guilty on all counts, sealing his fate as he faces potential death penalty or life imprisonment. However, amidst this chaos, a car bomb detonates outside the courthouse, providing a momentary distraction that allows Arthur to escape with the help of some enthusiastic supporters.
The Climactic Ending
Following his escape from court, Arthur wanders through Gotham City in a disoriented state. He eventually encounters Lee outside his old apartment building. In this scene, Lee informs him that she no longer wants to be with him because he has rejected the very identity that drew her to him—the Joker. This moment emphasizes Arthur’s isolation; despite having embraced his true self in court, he has lost the only person who understood him.
As Arthur grapples with this rejection and contemplates his identity anew, he is apprehended by police and returned to Arkham. The film’s final act takes a dark turn when another inmate named Jack Oswald White approaches him in a seemingly innocuous manner.
Jack begins to tell Arthur a joke but quickly escalates into violence. In a shocking twist, Jack stabs Arthur multiple times with a shiv while laughing maniacally. This brutal act serves as both a literal and metaphorical culmination of Arthur’s tragic journey—a man who sought love and acceptance only to be met with betrayal and violence.
As Arthur bleeds out on the floor of Arkham, Jack leans against the wall laughing hysterically before carving a smile into his own face using the same weapon he used on Arthur. This act symbolizes not only Jack’s embrace of the Joker persona but also serves as a commentary on how easily society can turn admiration into violence.
Themes Explored in The Ending
The ending of Joker: Folie à Deux raises profound questions about identity and legacy. Throughout the film, viewers are led to believe that Arthur Fleck is inherently linked to the Joker persona—an embodiment of chaos and violence born from societal neglect. However, by renouncing this identity in court, Arthur attempts to reclaim agency over his life and actions.
Yet this reclamation is short-lived; Jack’s violent act highlights how deeply ingrained societal perceptions can be. Despite Arthur’s efforts to distance himself from the Joker persona, he ultimately becomes a victim of it—both literally and symbolically.
Moreover, Jack’s transformation into a new incarnation of the Joker suggests that while one individual may fade away, another can easily rise in their place. This cyclical nature of violence and identity serves as a chilling reminder of how societal issues surrounding mental health are often overlooked until they manifest tragically.
Conclusion
Joker: Folie à Deux concludes with an unsettling yet thought-provoking ending that challenges audiences to reflect on themes of identity, acceptance, and societal failure. Through its exploration of Arthur Fleck’s tragic journey—from an isolated man seeking love to a victim of violence—the film underscores how easily admiration can turn into obsession and how societal neglect can lead individuals down dark paths.
Arthur’s demise at the hands of another aspiring Joker serves not only as a commentary on his life but also reflects broader societal issues regarding mental health awareness and treatment. Ultimately, Joker: Folie à Deux leaves viewers questioning not just who the Joker is but what it means to be human in a world that often fails to recognize individual struggles amidst collective chaos.
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