In a candid interview with Entertainment Tonight, Joker: Folie à Deux director Todd Phillips delved into the film's controversial and shocking ending, which has sparked heated discussions among fans and critics alike. Despite a disappointing performance at the box office during its opening weekend, the film concluded with a jaw-dropping twist—Joker’s death.
The narrative centers around a riveting murder trial, culminating in an explosive courtroom scene where a bomb detonates, resulting in chaos. Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, takes the bold step of defending himself, making a startling confession: he claims the Joker is not a split personality but has always been his true self. Phillips elaborated on this pivotal moment, explaining, “He realised that everything is so corrupt, it’s never going to change, and the only way to fix it is to burn it all down.”
This revelation marks a turning point for Arthur, who recognizes the futility of his previous attempts to mask his identity. Phillips stated, “When those guards kill that kid in the [hospital], he realizes that dressing up in makeup, putting on this thing, it’s not changing anything.” He emphasized that Arthur Fleck has always been who he is, dismissing the notion that he embodies the persona the people of Gotham have projected onto him.
In the film, a significant subplot revolves around Harley Quinn, who seeks to provoke Arthur to fully embrace his Joker identity. Phillips noted that she never refers to him as Arthur throughout the film, culminating in a poignant moment during their final encounter when she acknowledges that the Joker persona no longer exists. “The sad thing is, he’s Arthur, and nobody cares about Arthur,” Phillips explained. This realization leaves Harley grappling with the truth of Arthur’s identity, leading her to reflect, “I’m on a whole other trip, man. You can’t be what I wanted you to be.”
Addressing fan theories that the scenes between Harley and the Joker were merely a figment of Arthur’s imagination, Phillips clarified that these moments were indeed real. “It’s actually really happening,” he confirmed, countering speculation and offering a deeper understanding of the film's narrative.
As Joker: Folie à Deux continues to stir debate, Phillips' insights into the characters’ motivations and the film’s shocking conclusion provide a compelling lens through which to view this complex sequel. Whether fans embrace or reject the film, Phillips’ vision undoubtedly leaves a lasting impact on the Joker mythos.