In "Joker: Folie à Deux," Gotham City is still reeling from the aftermath of the talk show murder committed years earlier by Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix). The film's plot reveals the existence of a made-for-TV movie based on the case, which every prison guard tells Arthur is terrible. The only person who praises it is Lee (Lady Gaga).
In an interview with IGN, "Joker" series writer-director Todd Phillips (pictured above) was asked if this polarizing TV movie—and the passionate crowds inside and outside the courtroom—was a commentary on real-life fandom.
Phillips acknowledged that the film does reflect some fans' desire to "get more" from a sequel, but he clarified it wasn't a direct critique of "toxic fan culture."
"For example, many people criticized the first film for irresponsibly inciting violence, but I've always believed it was responsible," Phillips stated. "Because it shows the most realistic impact violence can have in reality. It didn't glorify gun use; in my view, the film showed the true brutality. I think it was that realism that made some people uncomfortable, and in turn, hate that movie."
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Phillips explained that the sequel continues to explore the after-effects and trauma these horrific events inflict on an ordinary person who witnessed them. "For me, a very important scene in the movie is when he is questioning the minor character Gary. Why is this scene so important? Because it shows the real impact of trauma on a witness, right?" he said. "And not just the immediate impact; two or three years have passed in the movie, and Gary still can't sleep, can't work. What we really want to explore is the lasting, lingering impact of violence."
He believes the film is more about the worst consequences that can arise when a label like "Joker" is forced onto a person, separating them from their true self. "Then you meet who you think is your true love because of it," he described, "only to discover that the person they love has always been the character you represent, and not the real you."
Additionally, Phillips revealed that he had considered actually filming the in-universe TV movie. He even had an actor in mind: producer and actor Justin Theroux (pictured above). Theroux actually had a brief cameo in the first film as an actor named Ethan Chase, one of the guests on Murray Franklin's talk show.
"I did talk to Justin about this idea," Phillips said. "We were going to shoot a trailer for it, but we ultimately ran out of time. Yes, it was for the actor 'Ethan Chase' from the first film."
via： IGN