Defending Joker Folie a Deux

"The second Joker film might be messy, maybe the plot drags on a bit and the musical numbers certainly can be jarring. It may not be a perfect film, I'm not saying that! Nobody is, but awful?! A one star flop, unworthy of recognition? Come on people! Don't let the loud, thunderous voices of harsh critics cloud your judgement entirely now. Although this sequel doesn't live up to the hype and expectations of the original, that does not necessarily mean Folie a Deux is completely unwatchable! On the contrary, I'd wager that there is plenty to enjoy about this sequel that many have chosen to look over completely. May I remind you of Joaquin's outstanding acting in the original movie? Well, he has certainly carried over that talent into this follow up. He essentially plays two roles in this film, that of Arthur Fleck and his dark alter ego, The Joker! Both personalities are rather different. Arthur; the shy, mentally traumatised loner who knows little outside of misery. Joker; who is the polar opposite! A confident, theatrical character like some comic book super villain, one who has a dark sense of humour and dances rather spectacularly! Yet, the way Joaquin flips between both characters is honestly flawless and believable in both films. Can you honestly say other, your honour?
How about Lady Gaga's performance in the film? Not only is she a talented singer, but-"
"Objection, this movie is about Joker!" Harvey Dent yells.

"Overruled! In fact, the film is about both Harley and Joker, please continue, Mr J."
"Of course!" Joker continues, smiling fondly at the judge, "her performance in this picture is rather convincing, she plays a whole new rendition of the character of Harley Quinn, with a different backstory and personality than we've ever seen before. This makes her more interesting to learn about in the film, as she isn't who we expect her to be. That also doesn't mean she isn't crazy and fun like the Joker either, her singing matches his lunatic hallucinations and the fantasy musical elements really express how imaginative the minds of both lovers are. There are plenty of scenes where the scenery is grim, and awful things are happening to Arthur, while whimsical music and singing is being played. This creates a very uncanny and creepy atmosphere to the film, where even-" but Joker pauses.
"What is it, Mr J?" The judge asks.
"I must warn those of you in the jury, that I am about to spoil the ending of the movie. I please ask that you turn away from this defence of Joker: Folie a Deux right now, if you do not wish the ending to be spoiled."
"Would that be all, Joker?"
"Yes, your honour."
"Then you may continue."
"Even when Joker is murdered at the end, fun, upbeat music still plays over him bleeding to death, while his killer (perhaps Todd Phillips' rendition of Victor Zsasz) is laughing maniacally in the background! So even the last shot of this twisted film has this musical effect of showing absolute horror alongside music that seemingly laughs in the face of Arthur's tragedy, like even his cruel and sudden death is nothing but a joke! It is a terrifying ending, one that has upset many viewers who wished Joker would have survived. I mean, this is a movie about me!" Joker points at his chest, pulling an expressive look of over exaggerated sorrow, this is followed by laughter within the courtroom. The judge bangs his hammer loudly.
"This is my last warning, Joker! I will not have you make a mockery of my courtroom!"
"My apologies, your honour, may I continue?"
"Continue." He nods and Joker struts around the courtroom, preparing to continue his defense.
"Even I felt saddened by my own death in this film, but looking back on it, this makes for a chilling finale, one that will stick with viewers long after watching the movie. On top of that, the musical side to Joker Folie a Deux certainly adds a lot of entertainment value to the overall film, just as things might start to feel repetitive or boring, a good old sing along can really draw back your attention."
"Your honour, that is an absurd argument!" Harvey Dent adds, "are you seriously saying that you needed multiple musical numbers to keep yourself entertained, Mr J?"
"Mmm hmmm..." Joker grins.
"So that is to say, without these random songs, the film would be an ultimately dull and painful experience? May I remind you, that most critics resent the fact that this sequel is a musical. They say it ruins the film's pace and makes for a confusing experience."
"Well, I really liked listening to Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix singing, their dancing was fun and I sang along to the lyrics, even in the cinema, despite the many strange and annoyed looks I got!" Joker laughs maniacally.
"You're being serious, aren't you?" Harvey Dent argues, "you're laughing, you're laughing. You really think those musical scenes were actually good?!"
"I do think they are good!" Joker cries, "and I'm sick of pretending, that they're not!"
"Yeah, that's not funny..." Harvey shakes his head, but Joker only snickers.
"Order! Order!" The judge roars, banging his hammer, "both of you, cut it out."
"Yes your honour." Both Harvey and Joker reply in unison.
"Clearly, Joker: Folie a Deux is a complicated sequel. It drops the more dramatic tone of the first film for an almost comical experience, closer to the Batman comics that Joker is based off. Yet these silly moments only exist within the mind of Arthur Fleck, who has an identity crisis between himself and the character of Joker. It is clearly a complex picture that still has many dark psychologically thrilling moments throughout. Listening to both of you today, I have learnt that perhaps this sequel can feel too long and dragged out for the most part, but there are definitely scenes that deserve praise. Some of these scenes are so strong, they make the film a worthy experience. Yet, perhaps over all it is a very middling movie. Perhaps a 5/10 rating is appropriate for such a mixed movie. Unless of course, you have anything to add, Joker?"
"Well..." Joker sighs, looking around the courtroom. The jury are conflicted, but Harley sits nearby in the audience behind him, smiling her crazy cute grin of encouragement.
"Yes, there is one more thing!" Joker sings, "there are many background details throughout the film. Ones that make for interesting world building. My favourite scene is when Two Face Harvey here, gets half his face blown off during the climax of the film!"
"Objection, I resent the nickname Two Face!" Harvey Dent cries.
"Overruled, your two face scene is a cool detail, one only seen in the background of the carbomb scene, perhaps most audience members missed it." The judge smiles warmly, "continue Joker..."
"There are many other background details, you can see Wayne Enterprise advertisements on billboards in the city shots of Gotham. This tells us the company still exists and is wealthy like in the comics, perhaps Batman could still pop up in this universe of films down the line? Not to mention how Hayley Quinn is pregnant with Arthur Fleck, perhaps his son will become the Joker Batman must face in the modern day? Many of the inmates at Arkham asylum act like other Batman villains too. As mentioned before, the man who kills Arthur in the final scene, reminded me lot of Victor Zsasz. There are more examples too, but I'd be here all day if I explained them." Joker ends his argument.
"I must have missed most of those references, Joker..." The judge chuckles, "perhaps that makes the film worth seeing a few times, just try to catch all the Batman Easter eggs that are hidden throughout. With that in mind. I think it's more than fair to say, that perhaps Joker Folie a Deux is more worthy of a 6/10. It certainly isn't perfect, but I can see why it might be more entertaining for those who enjoy musicals and fans of DC Comics." With that, the judge ends the trial and Joker laughs in Harvey Dent's face.