Quentin Tarantino has expressed his admiration for Todd Phillips’ new film, Joker: Folie à Deux, showcasing a fresh and provocative perspective on the sequel to the acclaimed Joker (2019). During a recent appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Tarantino did not hold back in his commentary, praising Phillips for his bold and audacious approach to filmmaking.

Quentin Tarantino’s Bold Assertion: Todd Phillips as the Joker

Tarantino wasted no time in declaring, “Todd Phillips is the Joker. Un film de Joker, all right, is what it is. He is the Joker.” This statement reflects the director’s belief that Phillips embodies the chaotic spirit of the character he has brought to life on screen. He likened Phillips’ creative process to the Joker’s own anarchic methods, suggesting that the director has spent studio resources in a manner reminiscent of the character’s unpredictable nature.

He further elaborated, stating, “Then his big surprise gift—ha, ha!—the jack-in-the-box, when he offers you his hand for a handshake and you get a buzzer with 10,000 volts shooting you, is the comic book geeks.” This vivid metaphor illustrates how Tarantino sees Phillips’ work as a deliberate provocation aimed at comic book fans and the larger Hollywood establishment.

Tarantino pointed out that the film appears to intentionally frustrate audiences, especially superhero enthusiasts and studio executives. He articulated this sentiment by saying, “He’s saying ‘f*** you’ to the movie audience. He’s saying ‘f*** you’ to Hollywood. He’s saying ‘f*** you’ to everybody who owns any stock at DC and Warner Brothers.” This reflection highlights the film’s potential as a commentary on the current state of cinema and the superhero genre.

Mixed Expectations Turned to Praise

Initially skeptical about the film, Tarantino admitted he did not expect to enjoy Folie à Deux as much as he did. He shared his thoughts on the first Joker film, emphasizing its iconic talk show scene, which he considers one of the best cinematic moments of the last twenty years. Tarantino remembered the experience of watching it in a packed theater as a particularly memorable one.

However, Quentin Tarantino expressed that prior to that talk show scene, he felt little connection to the narrative. He questioned whether stories like Taxi Driver needed to be rehashed for audiences who favor comic book films. Interestingly, he also remarked that he initially did not view Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in the first film as particularly exceptional. Yet, upon viewing Folie à Deux, Tarantino felt that Phoenix delivered an extraordinary performance, which he described as “Oscar-winning.” He noted, “Watching him in Folie à Deux literally blew away my head,” showcasing his admiration for the actor’s evolution in this sequel.

Tarantino also addressed the ongoing debate regarding the Oscars, suggesting that although he recognized Phoenix’s remarkable performance, he still believed that Leonardo DiCaprio deserved the Academy Award for his own work.

Music’s Integral Role in ‘Folie à Deux’

In addition to discussing the performances, Quentin Tarantino praised the unique musical elements woven throughout Joker: Folie à Deux. He remarked that the music played a crucial role in keeping him engaged with the film, stating that it “hooked him to the screen.” The inclusion of various musical pieces, combined with Phoenix’s vocal performances, contributed to the film’s overall impact, making it a memorable experience for Tarantino.

Joker: Folie à Deux, which features Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn alongside Joaquin Phoenix, was released on October 2, 2024. The film has sparked discussions not only for its artistic choices but also for its commentary on the superhero genre and Hollywood itself.

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