Last Monday, a traffic jam formed on Hollywood Boulevard: in front of the traditional Chinese theater, the police diverted traffic to side streets. Cars and subway buses had to give way to Lady Gaga and Joaquín Phoenix. The two stars invited people to the premiere of their comic film “Joker: Folie à Deux” at the Imax cinema.
The mood was still good: “Gaga!” The fans screamed as the leading actress got out of a black SUV. Numerous photographers and camera teams crowded around the actors, dark security guards kept the curious masses who had not made it to the stands specially placed on the boulevard at a distance.
But that would be the last big push for the film. “Joker: Folie à Deux” turns out to be a flop – at least compared to the commercially and artistically successful first part. It is estimated that just $40 million has flowed into the coffers since Friday. The film, which contained musical elements, performed far below expectations in North America. There are still many tickets available for upcoming performances at the Chinese Theater.
Sometimes devastating reviews and unusually poor ratings play a role. In surveys conducted by the company “Cinemascore” after going to the cinema, viewers only gave the film a grade of D – on a scale from A+ (top grade) to F. This indicates poor word of mouth and a significant decline in sales in the next few weeks.
According to the industry publication “Hollywood Reporter”, it is the first comic film adaptation ever to be given a grade of “D” by audiences, comparable to a school grade of 4. “Joker” was enthusiastically received in 2019 with a B+. The follow-up film was also discussed predominantly negatively in the German media.
The sequel, also from director Todd Phillips, dares to try a kind of musical format that apparently doesn’t suit the taste of comic fans in the USA. Phoenix and Lady Gaga sing together as Joker and Harley Quinn. The soulful songs are in stark contrast to the dark atmosphere in Gotham City.
Worldwide, the debut of “Joker: Folie à Deux” did slightly better. According to estimates by the industry portal “Boxoffice Mojo”, more than 81 million US dollars were raised outside North America over the weekend. Combined with revenue in the US and Canada, the film has a worldwide opening gross of $121 million.
On a good opening weekend, films often recoup their production costs immediately. “Joker: Folie à Deux” is far from that. The film is said to have cost the studio Warner Bros. around $200 million.
