2024-10-07 02:47:00
The sequel to the acclaimed film “Joker” with Lady Gaga did not convince either critics or the public. Cinema revenues lag significantly behind the first part.
Last Monday a traffic jam formed on Hollywood Boulevard: in front of the traditional Chinese theater the police diverted traffic into side streets. The cars and subway buses had to give way to Lady Gaga and Joaquín Phoenix. The two stars invited the public to the premiere of their comedy film adaptation “Joker: Folie à Deux” at the Imax cinema.
The atmosphere was still good: “Gaga!”, fans shouted as the leading actress got out of a black SUV. Numerous photographers and TV crews crowded around the actors, shadowy security guards kept at a distance the masses of onlookers who had not managed to reach the stands specially set up on the avenue.
But that would be the last big run for the film. “Joker: Folie à Deux” turns out to be a flop – at least compared to the commercially and artistically successful first part. According to estimates, only 40 million dollars have flowed into the coffers since Friday. The film, which had musical elements, fell far short of expectations in North America. Even at the Chinese Theater there are still many tickets available for upcoming shows.
Some devastating reviews and unusually poor audience ratings play a role. In polls conducted by the company “Cinemascore” after going to the cinema, viewers gave the film only a D grade – on a scale from A+ (best rating) to F. This indicates poor word of mouth and a significant drop in sales in the next weeks.
According to industry publication the Hollywood Reporter, this is the first film adaptation of a comic book that audiences have ever given a D, comparable to a school grade of 4. “Joker” was enthusiastically received in 2019 with a B+. The subsequent film was also widely discussed negatively in the German media.
The sequel, again directed by Todd Phillips, dares to use a type of musical format that apparently does not satisfy the taste of comic book fans in the United States. Phoenix and Lady Gaga sing together as Joker and Harley Quinn. The soulful songs are a stark contrast to the dark atmosphere of Gotham City.
Globally, the debut of “Joker: Folie à Deux” fared slightly better. According to estimates from the industry portal “Boxoffice Mojo”, over 81 million dollars were raised outside North America over the weekend. Along with revenues in the United States and Canada, the film has a global opening revenue of $121 million.
Often films immediately recoup their production costs on a good opening weekend. “Joker: Folie à Deux” is anything but. The film is said to have cost the Warner Bros. studio around $200 million.
dpa/cuk
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