Hideo Kojima’s Fascinating Defense of Joker: Folie à Deux-A Cult Classic Waiting to Emerge?

Nov 5, 2024

Joker: Folie à Deux may not have become the instant cultural phenomenon its predecessor was, but it has found a vocal champion in game developer Hideo Kojima. Known for his intricate and philosophical storytelling in games like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, Kojima is a true cinephile with a talent for dissecting complex narratives. Following the film’s polarizing release and lukewarm box office performance, Kojima took to social media to express his support for Folie à Deux, hinting that it might be ahead of its time.

Kojima believes that the film’s exploration of identity and reality, particularly through its unique lens on the Joker’s fractured psyche, will be better appreciated in the years to come. Here’s what he had to say about the film and why it could one day be seen as a misunderstood masterpiece.

Kojima’s In-Depth Take on Joker: Folie à Deux

Kojima’s tweet about Joker: Folie à Deux offers a rare, analytical take on the movie’s storyline, characters, and underlying themes:

“I watched Joker: Folie à Deux. It starts with a captivating animated sequence that reminds me of classic Looney Tunes, setting up a surreal story about Joker and his shadow. From there, the story dives into a courtroom trial that revolves around a question: Who exactly is Joker? Is he Arthur, the man we know, or is he something deeper—a fractured personality, a shadow of Arthur?

This film goes beyond just showing Joker as a character; it makes you wonder, ‘Was the Joker we saw in the original movie even real, or was he Arthur all along?’ This question isn’t just for Arthur to answer—it’s directed at us, the audience, and even the fictional Gotham City itself. As the story unfolds, the film continually blurs the line between Joker and Arthur, between what’s real and what’s illusion.

In today’s era, where superhero and villain movies often focus on epic battles of good vs. evil, Folie à Deux dares to ask if a villain could be seen as a hero, or at least a sympathetic figure. Perhaps, it’s too avant-garde as a DC movie for mainstream audiences right now. But as more films explore the complexities of heroism and villainy, I believe Folie à Deux will be viewed more favorably over time. This film isn’t just a sequel—it’s a complex narrative that might take 10 or 20 years for people to fully appreciate. The real question we’ll be left with is: Was it Joker that captivated audiences? Or was it Arthur, his very human side?”

Kojima’s analysis paints Joker: Folie à Deux as a layered narrative that questions not just Joker’s identity, but how audiences perceive heroes and villains. The movie, he implies, uses the courtroom trial and Joker’s mental state to examine whether Joker is merely a mask Arthur wears or an entirely separate identity. This psychological exploration of Joker’s duality is what Kojima believes sets Folie à Deux apart from typical comic book films, challenging viewers to go deeper.

Quentin Tarantino Joins the Chorus of Support

Kojima isn’t alone in his admiration for Folie à Deux. Quentin Tarantino, another vocal supporter of films that challenge conventions, described the sequel as “the Natural Born Killers I would have dreamed of seeing.” Tarantino’s praise isn’t for the film’s structure or plot, but rather for its audacious storytelling and unexpected musical elements. According to him, Folie à Deux might look like a “big, giant mess” on the surface, but it has the unique charm of a work that captures something special despite its imperfections. He even found himself surprisingly moved by the musical numbers, especially For Once in My Life, whose lyrics gained new meaning in the film’s chaotic world.

A Misunderstood Masterpiece?

The divisive reception of Joker: Folie à Deux reveals a movie that may not fit today’s superhero formula but could age gracefully as audiences develop a broader appreciation for unconventional storytelling. In an era where superhero movies are often crafted to meet mainstream tastes, Folie à Deux seems intentionally defiant of the typical good vs. evil formula. For Kojima, the film’s true success lies in its ability to ask complex, uncomfortable questions: Is Joker a man with mental health struggles, or is he an embodiment of society’s own dark side?

This is a perspective Kojima has long championed in his own games. Much like the moral ambiguity of his characters in Metal Gear Solid and the psychological journeys in Death Stranding, Kojima believes Folie à Deux forces viewers to confront blurred lines between hero and villain. This unique perspective may be lost on audiences today but could gain significance in the future.

Kojima’s Own Hollywood Future with Death Stranding

With Kojima’s move into Hollywood with the film adaptation of his game Death Stranding, his endorsement of Joker: Folie à Deux serves as a reminder of the kind of stories he values. Death Stranding challenged gamers with unconventional gameplay and themes about connection and isolation, much like Folie à Deux challenges moviegoers with its introspective take on Joker’s psyche. Both projects share an ambition to disrupt and redefine their respective genres.

Kojima’s defense of Joker: Folie à Deux is a call for audiences to consider the film through a different lens. Rather than dismissing it as a “failed” sequel, he urges viewers to see it as a bold exploration of character and identity. Perhaps, like a fine wine, Folie à Deux just needs time to reach its full potential.