**Joaquin Phoenix Speaks Out: Shocking Endings and Mixed Reviews for *Joker: Folie à Deux*!**
Joaquin Phoenix has shared his thoughts on the polarizing ending of *Joker: Folie à Deux*, and it’s turning heads.
Reports indicate that some viewers have even walked out of theaters before the credits rolled.
This sequel is a stark departure from the dark intensity of the original.
Now, it’s a musical, and not everyone is here for it.
Critics are divided, with many giving it a thumbs down alongside audiences.
But why is this film causing such a stir?
Some fans believe it was crafted specifically to push away the loyal followers of the first film.
Defenders argue that those disliking it “aren’t getting the point” of the narrative.
In a bold twist, the film represents a rejection of the Joker persona by Arthur Fleck, played by Phoenix.
By shedding this identity, Arthur risks alienating his biggest supporters, including Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga).
She’s enamored with the Joker but has little interest in Arthur.
The film culminates in a shocking finale: Arthur confesses to his crimes.
Just as he does, a group of Joker fanatics bombs the courtroom.
Arthur is captured again and sent back to Arkham Asylum, where fate takes a grim turn.
A young inmate approaches him, eager to share a joke, but things take a deadly twist.
In a shocking moment, Arthur is stabbed to death with a shiv.
The implication? This young inmate may rise to become the next Joker.
Speaking to *IGN*, Phoenix described a surprising warmth in that final scene.
“There’s a warmth in that scene, which is nice,” he reflected.
He emphasized that the young man telling the joke was nervous, which added a layer of poignancy.
“I can tell that he’s nervous, and I’m going to hear him out,” Phoenix noted, highlighting Arthur’s empathy.
Director Todd Phillips echoed this sentiment, praising Phoenix’s performance.
He believes that Arthur finds a sort of peace in his final moments, embracing who he is.
“It’s okay to be yourself,” Phillips explained.
While opinions on the film remain divided, the conversations surrounding it are electric.
The shift to a musical format has baffled some, raising eyebrows among die-hard fans.
But could this change signify a deeper exploration of Arthur Fleck’s psyche?
Many are still grappling with the film’s darker themes and its audacious conclusion.
Some fans felt a deep connection to the first film’s exploration of mental health and societal rejection.
The character of Arthur Fleck is deeply complex, struggling with identity and societal rejection.
The film suggests that embracing one’s true self may come at a fatal cost.
Could this narrative be a reflection of Phoenix’s own struggles with fame and identity?
Throughout his career, Phoenix has navigated the complexities of celebrity, often shunning the spotlight.
His portrayal of Arthur is raw and vulnerable, resonating with many who feel alienated in a demanding world.
The film’s mixed reviews might also stem from fans’ high expectations after the monumental success of the first *Joker*.
That film was not only a box office hit but also an Oscar-winning masterpiece.
Expectations were sky-high, and *Folie à Deux* had the challenging task of living up to its predecessor.
As it stands, the sequel is more than just a follow-up; it’s a daring statement on identity and acceptance.
Whether you loved it or hated it, there’s no denying that *Joker: Folie à Deux* has sparked intense discussion.
Will this film find its place in the cinematic canon, or will it fade into obscurity?
Only time will tell as audiences continue to dissect its themes and conclusions.
The real question is: What does this ending mean for the future of the Joker mythos?
With the conversation surrounding it still buzzing, *Joker: Folie à Deux* is certainly one to watch.
Catch it in cinemas now, and decide for yourself whether it’s a masterpiece or a misfire!