When legendary LGBTQ+ cinema shaper John Waters speaks a couple of movie, you hear—and brace your self for a take that’s something however standard. The Pope of Trash, whose unapologetic love for provocative cinema has cemented his place in movie historical past, lately shared his ideas on a 2024 film schedule launch, Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux. Spoiler alert: he loves DC’s field workplace bomb and has probably the most on-brand take.
The Pink Flamingos filmmaker–a champion of the outrageous–included the Joker sequel in his annual round-up of the ten finest movies of the yr for Vulture. Many have known as it the worst film of the yr (solid member Tim Dillon known as it the worst film ever made). It could appear that the majority are unable to wrap their heads across the movie’s audacious choice to dive into musical territory and discover the twisted love story between Joaquin Phoenix’s titular baddy and Woman Gaga’s Harley Quinn. It appears to have been Waters’ jam, although, as a result of because the filmmaker mentioned:
Lastly, a love story I can relate to. So insane, so effectively thought out, so effectively directed, a lot smoking! It’s Jailhouse Rock meets Busby Berkeley with a 9/11 That’s Leisure! ending that may make you shake your head in cinematic astonishment. Silly critics. Gaga so good. Joker so proper. Die, dumbbells, die!
Let’s unpack this cinematic grenade. John Waters calls the film “a love story I can relate to,” which, coming from a filmmaker identified for celebrating the grotesque and the taboo, is the last word praise. The comparability to Jailhouse Rock and Busby Berkeley is kind of the take and hints on the film’s potential for cult basic standing. The flick’s mix of insurrection and theatrical spectacle, a mash-up of grit and glitter that appears to completely encapsulate the chaos of the Joker-Harley pairing.
However the pièce de résistance is his reference to a “9/11 That’s Leisure! ending.” Solely the Cry-Child filmmaker might distill the critically derided Joker 2‘s possible jaw-dropping conclusion into one thing concurrently surprising and poetic.
John Waters’ reward for Woman Gaga’s flip as Harley Quinn hits the nail on the pinnacle. Gaga brings a singular mixture of gravitas and theatrical aptitude that solely a performer of her caliber can ship. Whereas I didn’t personally love the Joker sequel as an entire, the “Dangerous Romance” singer undeniably steals the present as its standout ingredient. Her magnetic presence has me eagerly anticipating what she’ll deliver toWednesday Season 2.
Unsurprisingly, the Polyester director has thrown his full assist behind a movie that unapologetically takes dangers and leans into its personal insanity. His profession, outlined by pushing boundaries and celebrating the grotesque, mirrors the daring spirit of Joker: Folie à Deux. The Hairspray director’s endorsement looks like a symbolic passing of the torch to a film that isn’t afraid to divide audiences whereas leaving an unforgettable mark on cinema.
If you happen to haven’t but seen what all the thrill (and controversy) is about, now’s your likelihood. The much-discussed DC sequel is at present out there to hire and can quickly hit streaming for these with a Max subscription. Whether or not you find it irresistible or hate it, one factor is certain: John Waters believes it’s a movie value watching.
Don’t neglect to try our schedule of upcoming superhero films to remain up to date on the most recent comedian ebook diversifications coming to theaters, in addition to our 2025 film schedule for a peek at what’s forward!