During a Thursday editorial meeting at Variety, an editor unexpectedly asked if anyone would volunteer to cover the opening night screening of “Joker: Folie à Deux” the following evening. Despite an initial silence around the table, I eventually raised my hand, feeling the pressure of the moment. My experience watching the first “Joker” at the Toronto Film Festival displayed a stark contrast to this upcoming endeavor, as I prepared to mingle with an audience that differed dramatically from the prior one filled with critics and industry professionals. Little did I realize how this screening trip would be marked by an unexpected atmosphere that diverged from what I anticipated.
Arriving at the Grove to attend the film, I was surprised to find that tickets were still widely available for a Friday night performance at this popular AMC Theater. The lack of immediate sellouts raised red flags, particularly after the dismal “D” CinemaScore was later revealed. Upon inquiring with an attendant, I learned that while higher-priced Dolby and Prime screenings tended to fill up quickly, people were evidently staying away from this one, suggesting that negative reviews were having a palpable effect. The attendant herself admitted to abandoning plans to attend after reading the reviews, demonstrating how audience sentiment impacted attendance even before the film began.
After obtaining my ticket for an IMAX showing, I killed time by talking to patrons leaving earlier screenings. The reactions I gathered were mixed, with one student likening the film to “Lincoln,” while a female attendee expressed her enjoyment of Lady Gaga’s performance but remained uncertain about its humor. Insights shared by the audience revealed a distinct absence of the typical comic book crowd, with fervent discussions about the film’s merits and shortcomings. The comments indicated that viewers were not aligning with the film’s initial $200 million investment, questioning its artistic choices and stylistic decisions in terms of location and storytelling.
Taking my seat among a mostly couple-dominated audience, the environment felt strange for a film that promised violent and intense moments. Notably absent were any dedicated fans of the Joker character, as the only masks present were standard Covid coverings. The screening began with typical disturbances often seen in crowded theaters, including a couple’s argument, which caused me to miss crucial sequences. As the movie progressed, I found myself increasingly distracted by the physicality of my neighbors, who engaged in more intimate displays than one would expect during a gritty cinematic experience.
Throughout the lengthy runtime, the theater exhibited a curious dynamic of constant movement and low energy. Several patrons left their seats for snacks, bathroom breaks, or simply to stretch, resulting in an atmosphere reminiscent of a bustling airport rather than an engrossing film viewing. Unlike previous screenings where laughter and cheers accompanied heart-wrenching moments, this crowd seemed disinterested, with only a few isolated moments of engagement as the story unfolded. The palpable disconnect between the audience and the film raised questions about the appeal and narrative strength of the sequel.
Once the credits rolled, most viewers promptly exited the theater, seemingly indifferent to the film’s impact or the creative effort involved in its making. My hopes for a more in-depth conversation were dashed as a once-potentially engaging conversation evaporated. I approached a lone audience member, seeking his perspective, only to find he too exhibited discontent with the distractions around him. Reflecting on the overall screening experience, I realized the disconnect between the film’s ambitious nature and the stray, distracted reactions encapsulated the night—a reality check on what we might expect for the film’s broader reception.