Introduction with a Nod to Looney Tunes
Joker: Folie À Deux opens with an animated sequence reminiscent of classic Looney Tunes. Alongside this animation, Looney Tunes is shown on TV throughout the scenes set in Arkham prison, with the character Pepé Le Pew appearing repeatedly. Furthermore, when asked by the judge to make a final statement, Arthur Fleck turns to the attendees and says, “That’s all folks!”, which is also the familiar closing line of Looney Tunes.
The Background of Lee Quinzel
In the film, Lee Quinzel is introduced by Arthur’s lawyer, Stewart, as the daughter of a doctor, and her family is not as unfortunate as she previously described to Arthur. Lee Quinzel is a psychologist and is said to have unrestricted access to Arkham prison. This “psychologist” background strongly suggests that Quinzel is inspired by Harley Quinn.
“The Most Beautiful Man in Gotham” Harvey Dent
Harvey Dent’s appearance in Joker: Folie À Deux excites the audience immensely. Harvey Dent is a prosecutor involved in the case against Arthur Fleck, standing on the opposing side. With his handsome, classy appearance and demonstrated capabilities, Harvey Dent embodies the spirit of the original comics, being a nearly perfect male idol with a successful career and life. Ultimately, Harvey Dent is injured in the explosion that frees Arthur Fleck, but it remains unclear whether this will transform him into Two-Face.
Gary Puddles
Gary Puddles, the colleague whom Arthur Fleck spared in Joker Part 1, returns in Part 2. This time, Gary is called to testify about Arthur taking Randall’s life.
Sophie Dumond
Sophie is also invited to testify at Arthur Fleck’s trial. In Part 1, Sophie is a single mother, Arthur Fleck’s neighbor, and the object of his delusional affections, which are not reciprocated in reality.
Gene Ulfland
In one scene, Arthur Fleck is asked by a guard at Arkham prison to sign a book. This book is titled The Night the Laughter Died, written by Gene Ulfland. In Part 1, Ulfland is the producer of the Murray Franklin Show and witnessed Arthur kill Murray.
Wayne Tower
While not appearing in Part 2, Wayne Manor is subtly referenced as a significant part of Gotham. Through the transport of Arthur Fleck from prison to the court, the audience can catch a glimpse of the Wayne Tower in the distance.
Former President Nixon
During the first court hearing, Arthur Fleck raises both hands and makes a V sign. This gesture recalls former U.S. President Nixon when he resigned and left the White House in 1974 after the Watergate scandal.
Arthur Fleck’s White Suit
In one performance, Arthur Fleck appears in a white suit while Lee Quinzel wears a bridal gown. This white suit evokes the Joker from the comic The Dark Knight Returns.
Pogo
In another performance, Arthur Fleck dances energetically in a blue suit. However, the words “Pogo’s” on his back draw attention, reminiscent of real-life serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who once performed as a clown named Pogo.
“You get what you f***ing deserve”
At the end of Joker: Folie À Deux, Arthur Fleck meets a fellow inmate who asks him to tell a joke. The story concludes with the line, “you get what you f***ing deserve,” followed by a fatal stab from the inmate directed at Arthur Fleck.
JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX – Vietnamese title: JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX ĐIÊN CÓ ĐÔI – is currently showing in theaters.
On the occasion of the release of Joker: Folie À Deux, the distributor is giving readers some gifts including t-shirts and tote bags.
To register for gifts, please send an email to [email protected]. The email should include your full name, address, email, contact phone number, and specify which gift you would like to receive. The editorial board will randomly select five lucky readers and will contact the winners via email.
