While Joker: Folie à Deux has sparked a wave of disappointment among fans and critics for its controversial ending, Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix, who reprised his role as Arthur Fleck, finds warmth in the film’s conclusion.
The ending, which has divided audiences, shows Arthur Fleck, now imprisoned in Arkham Asylum, being killed by a fellow inmate. Despite the backlash, Phoenix has spoken out in defense of the climactic scene, offering a fresh perspective on the moment that has stirred so much debate.
In an interview with IGN, Phoenix shared his thoughts on the emotional depth of the scene. “There’s a warmth in that [death] scene, which is nice,” Phoenix remarked, breaking his silence on the topic. He further elaborated on the scene’s nuances, stating, “I was focused on this young man telling me a joke. He was nervous, and I could sense that. I wanted to hear him out. It’s a pretty good setup.”
Director Todd Phillips, who helmed both Joker films, echoed Phoenix’s sentiments. Phillips praised Phoenix’s performance, calling the scene “beautiful” despite its grim outcome. “That moment where Arthur is listening to the kid’s joke and offering a polite laugh—it’s subtle but significant,” Phillips explained. “He’s showing appreciation for the effort, for the vulnerability of putting yourself out there, even in such a bleak setting.”
Despite the positive reflections from both Phoenix and Phillips, many fans were left dissatisfied by the ending. The death of Arthur Fleck, after surviving his previous violent escapades, felt anticlimactic to viewers who had hoped for a different outcome. The character’s sudden demise, at the hands of another inmate, felt abrupt to many who expected a more complex resolution.
Joker: Folie à Deux, released in theaters on October 4, 2024, failed to meet the high expectations set by its predecessor. Though the film’s exploration of mental illness and Arthur’s descent into madness was praised, the final moments left audiences divided. However, for Phoenix and Phillips, the ending serves as a fitting conclusion, rich in emotional subtlety and thematic depth, even if it wasn’t the ending many fans had hoped for.