The 78-year-old filmmaker, who wrote 'Taxi Driver', expresses his fervent distaste for the musical sequel to 'Joker', criticizing both its actors and musical elements.
- October 15, 2024
AceShowbiz - Paul Schrader has expressed his vehement disapproval of "Joker: Folie a Deux", the musical sequel to "Joker". In an interview with Interview Magazine, the "Taxi Driver" screenwriter revealed that he left the theater after watching only a fraction of the film, dubbing it "a really bad musical."
When questioned about the reasons for his distaste, Schrader did not hold back his criticism of lead actors Joaquin Phoenix and Lady GaGa. "I don't like either of those people," he said bluntly. "I don't like them as actors. I don't like them as characters. I don't like the whole thing."
Schrader's negative reaction is particularly noteworthy given that the original "Joker" was a critical and commercial success, becoming the first R-rated film to cross the billion-dollar mark at the box office. However, "Folie a Deux" has been met with a poor critical reception, with many critics citing its exorbitant budget and underwhelming storytelling.
Schrader's dismissal is not the only instance of negative feedback for the film. The sequel has experienced an unprecedented 81% drop in its box office earnings from its opening weekend, a first for a film with a debut of over $30 million.
Despite the box office underperformance, some critics have expressed appreciation for the film's bold approach. William Bibbiani of TheWrap wrote that "Folie a Deux" is "the most interesting film about Arthur Fleck" and praised its "daring" direction.
