Tarantino praises Joaquin Phoenix's performance in Joker 2
- Quentin Tarantino praised Todd Phillips's sequel to Joker, stating he was deeply engaged with the film despite expectations of an intellectual viewing experience.
- The sequel, which features Joaquin Phoenix's acclaimed performance, has struggled at the box office with total earnings of around $120 million against a budget of $190 million to $200 million.
- Overall, Tarantino considers the film a unique expression of artistic intention, reflecting a bold approach to filmmaking and storytelling.
On October 30, 2024, acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino expressed his views on the controversial sequel to Joker during an appearance on Bret Easton Ellis's podcast. The film, subtitled Folie à Deux, has been met with mixed reviews, particularly in light of its box office performance. While the original Joker film reached over $1 billion in earnings, the sequel has struggled significantly, with current gross revenue estimated at $120 million against production costs estimated between $190 million and $200 million. Tarantino remarked on how he entered the theater expecting a detached, intellectual experience, anticipating a film that would not resonate as a cohesive work. Instead, he found himself captivated by the storytelling and emotional depth of the film. He lauded Joaquin Phoenix's performance as one of the best he has ever witnessed, highlighting the film's ability to evoke empathy for its troubled protagonist, Arthur. In discussing the film's direction, Tarantino suggested that Todd Phillips effectively embodied the concept of the Joker in the filmmaking process, portraying a rebellious spirit in his approach to the studio and audience expectations. He emphasized the film's humor and appreciated its musical sequences, noting that it diverges from traditional comic book conventions. Ultimately, Tarantino's endorsement of Joker: Folie à Deux positions it as a significant work within the cinematic landscape, despite its commercial struggles, showcasing a commitment to artistic expression within the medium of comic book adaptations.