Joker: Folie à Deux
5.5
Arthur Fleck, the central character of Joker (2019), is a man at odds with himself. A lonely, misunderstood individual, his life is marked by struggle and pain as he grapples with his mental health, his society’s rejection, and a pervasive sense of alienation. His complex, fractured identity forms the crux of the film, but beneath his turmoil lies a profound journey toward self-discovery, love, and a new form of self-expression.
Arthur’s dual identity plays a pivotal role in his internal conflict. By day, he works as a clown-for-hire in Gotham City, entertaining children at parties and posing for advertisements. Yet, his external life often seems at odds with his true self. His internal world is filled with confusion and longing for acceptance, driven by both the pressures of his past and the weight of societal expectations. He is mocked by the world around him, further deepening his sense of isolation. Despite these external struggles, there is a deep yearning within Arthur to be seen and understood.
While dealing with his inner turmoil, Arthur begins to experience moments of clarity. His first step toward self-realization comes when he discovers love in an unexpected way. Arthur develops a romantic interest in his neighbor, Sophie, and the two begin a relationship that provides him with a brief sense of normalcy. It is this connection, fragile as it may be, that sparks a shift in Arthur’s outlook. The fleeting joy he experiences in Sophie’s company hints at a deeper, more complex side of Arthur—one that is capable of tenderness and affection despite the cruelty he faces. However, the illusion of love is shattered when Arthur later discovers that much of the relationship he had with Sophie was in his mind, further highlighting his fractured sense of reality. Nevertheless, it is through this emotional attachment that Arthur begins to recognize that he is not beyond redemption.
In addition to love, Arthur embarks on a journey of self-expression through music. Throughout the film, Arthur’s passion for dancing and music emerges as a form of catharsis. His encounters with the darker side of Gotham—coupled with his growing recognition of his own power—lead him to realize that the music within him is an integral part of his identity. Arthur’s first steps on this musical journey occur when he performs an impromptu dance in a stairwell, a moment of liberation that marks a shift in his mental state. The music, both literal and metaphorical, becomes a vehicle for his transformation. It represents his escape from a reality that has long oppressed him, and it serves as the final piece in Arthur’s evolution into the persona of the Joker.
The music within Arthur is not merely a tool of expression, but a symbol of his self-empowerment. As he embraces this inner rhythm, Arthur begins to redefine who he is. The music is a way for him to express his anger, his joy, his freedom, and his sorrow, all at once. It is through this music that Arthur finally becomes the man he was always meant to be—the Joker.
Thus, Arthur Fleck’s journey is one of self-discovery. His struggle with his dual identity is not only about reconciling his internal conflicts but also about finding the courage to embrace who he truly is. The love he briefly experiences, alongside his eventual recognition of the music inside him, shows that despite all the hardship and pain he faces, there is always a part of him that seeks meaning, connection, and freedom. In the end, Arthur’s transformation into the Joker is not just the manifestation of madness, but the final act of self-realization that frees him from the constraints of his former self.
Director: David Webb, Ryan Robert Howard, Todd Phillips, Travis Rehwaldt, Trevor Tavares
Cast: Ajgie Kirkland, Alex Wesley Smith, Alfred Rubin Thompson, Angela D. Watson, Ashley Levin, Ashton Moio, Barry Bonder, Bill Smitrovich, Brendan Gleeson, Brian Donahue, Carson Higgins, Catherine Keener
