Paul Schrader Slams Joker 2 & Walked Out: ‘It’s a Really Bad Musical’

Paul Schrader Slams Joker 2 & Walked Out: ‘It’s a Really Bad Musical’

As a cinephile with a deep appreciation for authentic storytelling and character development, I found Paul Schrader‘s blunt critique of Joker 2 quite intriguing. Having spent countless hours immersed in the works of directors who masterfully weave narratives that resonate deeply, I can understand his perspective.


Paul Schrader did not hold back when sharing his negative opinion about Joker 2.

What Did Paul Schrader Say About Joker 2?

Schrader recently sat down with Jeremy O. Harris before the New York Film Festival premiere of his next film, Oh, Canada. During their conversation for Interview Magazine, Harris asked Schrader about new TV shows and movies. Schrader mentioned he went to the theater to see Joker: Folie à Deux. It was not a productive experience, to say the least.

Schrader stated, “I watched roughly 10 to 15 minutes initially, then stepped out, made a purchase, returned and observed another 10 minutes. That was more than enough for me.

After moving on to discussing Emilia Perez of Netflix and musicals, Harris expressed his fondness for the genre. In response, Schrader likened it to Joker 2, stating that in his view, the DC sequel is essentially a “poorly executed musical.” This perspective arises from Schrader’s disdain towards the film’s main characters, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.

Schrader made it clear he isn’t fond of either of those individuals. He finds their acting skills disappointing and dislikes their portrayed characters as well. In his opinion, the entire production leaves much to be desired. Essentially, if these people were to show up at his home, he would quietly sneak out through the back exit.

It’s not just Schrader who turned down Joker 2. The sequel, titled Folie à Deux, has been met with poor criticism since its debut, earning a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a “D” grade from CinemaScore.

Over the course of its release on October 4, Joker 2 has managed to earn just $51 million in domestic box office sales and $164 million globally. To put that into perspective, the original Joker made an impressive $96 million domestically during its opening weekend alone, ultimately surpassing a billion dollars in worldwide gross revenue.

It’s anticipated that the movie “Joker: Folie à Deux,” rumored to have a budget of approximately $200 million, could potentially incur losses ranging between $150 million and $200 million according to current estimates, for Warner Bros.

Because it didn’t do well at the cinema, Joker 2 is scheduled for digital release on October 29, 2024.

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2024-10-15 17:11