Joker Folie: director Todd Phillips has offered new insights into the complex character of Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix. In a recent interview, Phillips revealed that Arthur Fleck, the troubled, mentally ill man at the center of the *Joker* universe, was never the iconic Joker that fans have come to know in comic book lore. Rather, Arthur is an “unwitting icon” a man whose identity is co-opted by the city of Gotham, forcing him into the role of the villain.
Phillips explained, “He’s always been Arthur Fleck; he’s never been this thing that’s been put upon him, this idea that Gotham people put on him, that he represents.” According to the director, Arthur never actively sought to embody the chaos and destruction associated with the Joker. Instead, the city of Gotham, rife with corruption and despair, imposes this identity upon him as a symbol of rebellion and unrest. The director further emphasizes that Arthur Fleck doesn’t desire to live a “fake” life.
“He doesn’t want to live as a fake anymore he wants to be who he is.” In Joker: Folie à Deux*, Phillips suggests that the character’s journey will explore his evolving understanding of himself, as well as the complicated dynamics between his individual identity and the societal role thrust upon him. This nuanced take on the Joker character contrasts with previous depictions, suggesting a deeper, more personal exploration of mental illness, societal expectations, and identity. With Phoenix reprising his role and Lady Gaga joining the cast, Joker: Folie à Deux promises to delve further into this psychological landscape, making the film as much about identity and societal perception as it is about Gotham’s infamous clown.
