Paul Schrader Criticizes Joker: Folie à Deux

Paul Schrader, the acclaimed director, expressed his disdain for 'Joker: Folie à Deux,' stating he walked out after approximately 20 minutes, deeming it 'a really bad musical.' In a candid conversation with Jeremy O. Harris for Interview magazine, he criticized the lead actors, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, saying, 'I don’t like either of those people.' The sequel has significantly underperformed at the box office, grossing only $165 million globally after its October 4 release, and is projected to lose between $150 million and $200 million. Despite the sequel's anticipation following the success of the first 'Joker' film, which earned over $1 billion, it has received negative reviews, including a historic 81% drop from its debut weekend. While Schrader's remarks reflect a broader criticism, some reviews suggest the film explores Arthur Fleck's story in an interesting direction. Warner Bros. defended the film's performance, indicating that it will continue to earn revenue from its theatrical release and future digital release.