The Complex Ending of Joker: Folie à Deux: Understanding Arthur Fleck’s Identity Crisis

Arthur’s Final Choice: Confession and Identity

In Joker: Folie à Deux, Arthur Fleck’s final decision marks a significant shift in his identity. Faced with his crimes and an existential dilemma, he rejects the Joker persona and admits he was simply Arthur all along. Director Todd Phillips emphasizes that Arthur’s choice to confess is rooted in his realization that the revolution he symbolized wasn’t changing anything, and that living as “Joker” was a facade. His acceptance of being Arthur Fleck, however, is bittersweet, as Arthur ultimately feels unnoticed and unimportant, even to those closest to him.

The Role of Harleen Quinzel

Arthur’s relationship with Harleen Quinzel (Lady Gaga), a fellow inmate at Arkham State Hospital, serves as a focal point of his transformation. Initially, Arthur clings to a romantic fantasy of their future together, but over time, he becomes aware of Harleen’s obsession with the Joker persona rather than his true self. Her departure symbolizes a key moment where Arthur is abandoned by both his lover and the persona he adopted. This highlights the emotional and psychological disconnect between Arthur and the world around him, as well as the fleeting nature of love rooted in fantasy.

Arthur’s Death: A Symbolic End

In the film’s climactic moment, Arthur’s death occurs not as a result of his evil deeds catching up with him, but through a knife to the stomach, delivered by another inmate at Arkham. This act serves as a grim punchline to Arthur’s tragic journey. His death is not the end of the Joker legacy, however. The film reveals that another figure, a young man inspired by Arthur, assumes the Joker identity, suggesting that while Arthur was never truly Joker, his actions catalyzed the rise of Gotham’s infamous villain.

Todd Phillips’ Vision of the Joker

Director Todd Phillips explains that the final moments of the film encapsulate Arthur’s realization that Gotham’s deep-rooted corruption cannot be changed through the Joker’s theatrics. Arthur’s confession and subsequent demise symbolize a rejection of his iconic status, as he acknowledges that dressing up and playing the Joker isn’t effective in transforming the city. Phillips stresses that Arthur’s tragic fate lies in his understanding that no one truly cares about the man behind the makeup—Arthur Fleck.

Musical Themes and Haunting Symbolism

The film’s recurring use of musical themes, particularly “That’s Entertainment,” underscores the spectacle of violence and the allure of watching individuals unravel. The musical elements in Folie à Deux mirror Arthur’s emotional journey, highlighting how his suffering is both a personal tragedy and a public spectacle. As Arthur meets his end, the film suggests that while his story captivates Gotham, the man behind the chaos remains unappreciated and ultimately forgotten.

From torunstyle