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The sequel to 2019’s critically acclaimedJoker,Joker: Folie à Deux, has finally arrived, and it delivered a unique twist that many fans didn’t expect.
Known for its intense psychological themes, the originalJokerleft audiences questioning the true nature of Arthur Fleck’s mental state.
WithLady Gaga’sportrayal of Harley Quinn, the film explored the Joker universe’s emotional turmoil and psychological depth. However, while the film’s stylistic choices became a hot topic, another central question emerged: what exactly is Arthur Fleck suffering from?
Both films depict Arthur’s struggles with mental illness, but neitherJokernor its sequel explicitly reveals the disorder he has.
This article will dive into the possible disorders affecting Arthur Fleck, explore his character’s descent into madness, and discuss how Folie à Deux brings new dimensions to his mental health journey.
In the originalJoker, Arthur Fleck is introduced as a down-on-his-luck individual, struggling with poverty, social rejection, and, most notably, his declining mental health.
Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur won him an Oscar, and his character quickly became one of the most haunting representations of mental illness in modern cinema.
Arthur’s isolation is palpable throughout the film, with his uncontrollable fits of laughter being one of his most noticeable symptoms. He carries a card explaining that his laughter is due to a medical condition, though the exact disorder is never disclosed.
His life spirals further as he struggles with violent fantasies and delusions of grandeur, eventually leading to his full transformation into the Joker.
What setJokerapart from other comic book adaptations was its grounded approach to a villain’s origin story, making Arthur’s mental illness a central theme in his development.
Audiences saw how societal neglect, combined with untreated mental health issues, contributed to Arthur’s downfall.
Arthur Fleck’s Mental State in Joker: Folie à Deux
InJoker: Folie à Deux, Arthur’s story continues as he remains in Arkham Asylum after the events of the first film.
This sequel added new dimensions to his character, especially with the introduction of Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn, Arthur’s equally disturbed romantic interest.
But the real focus remains on Arthur’s deteriorating mental condition. Although the film is framed with more surreal elements, including musical numbers, the narrative delves deeper into Arthur’s psyche.
AsFolie à Deuxprogresses, the audience witnesses Arthur’s attempts to cope with his mental illness while his defense team works to avoid the death penalty.
While the sequel gives glimpses into Arthur’s troubled past and present, it maintains the same ambiguity around his diagnosis that fans experienced in the original film.
His laughter is still ever-present, and while no direct explanation is given, the portrayal of his condition continues to hint at deeper psychological and neurological issues.
Theories Around Arthur’s Mental Illness
One of the biggest questions surrounding Arthur Fleck’s character is the exact nature of his mental illness. His uncontrollable laughter, shown prominently in both films, appears to be the most obvious symptom.
InJoker, this laughter happens at the most inappropriate times, causing discomfort to those around him and isolating him further from society. The card he carries suggests that his laughter is due to a medical condition, but the details of this condition are left ambiguous.
This vagueness has led fans to speculate about the possible causes of Arthur’s symptoms. One of the most popular theories is that Arthur suffers frompseudobulbar affect(PBA).
According to theNational Library of Medicine, PBA is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary laughing or crying, typically as a result of brain trauma or underlying neurological conditions. PBA fits with Arthur’s symptoms, as his laughter seems to be uncontrollable and often occurs in inappropriate situations.
However, PBA alone doesn’t explain all of Arthur’s behavior. His violent tendencies, delusions, and hallucinations point to more complex mental health issues.
Many fans and mentalhealthprofessionals have speculated that Arthur may also suffer from a personality disorder, such asschizotypal personality disorderorborderline personality disorder, both of which can cause distorted thinking, intense emotional responses, and difficulty maintaining relationships.
In addition to PBA, Arthur’s character also shows signs of depression and anxiety, likely exacerbated by his difficult upbringing and societal rejection.
These conditions, compounded by untreated mental health issues, create a perfect storm that pushes Arthur toward the extreme behavior we see in both films.
The Role of Society in Arthur’s Decline
Another key aspect of bothJokerandJoker: Folie à Deuxis the impact of society on Arthur’s mental health.Both films depict a world that is largely indifferent to Arthur’sstruggles, and in many cases, actively hostile.
His uncontrollable laughter makes him a target for bullying, and his access to mental health services is limited. The first film portrays how Arthur’s support system falls apart when his therapist tells him that budget cuts have eliminated his treatment and medication.
This rejection from society pushes Arthur further into his delusions and violent tendencies. InFolie à Deux, this theme continues as Arthur remains isolated within Arkham Asylum.
Although the film doesn’t explicitly show his interactions with the outside world, it’s clear that Arthur’s perception of reality is becoming more warped.
Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn serves as both a mirror and a partner in his madness, further blurring the lines between reality and fantasy in his mind.
Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn: A Dangerous Pairing
The introduction of Harley Quinn inJoker: Folie à Deuxadds another layer to the exploration of mental illness in the film.
Harley, a psychiatrist who becomes infatuated with Arthur, represents both a victim of her mental health struggles and a co-conspirator in Arthur’s descent into madness.
Their relationship is built on shared delusions, and as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Harley is just as unstable as Arthur.
Together, they form a toxic and volatilepartnership, with Harley feeding into Arthur’s fantasies and encouraging his violent tendencies. This pairing highlights how mental illness can be exacerbated by unhealthy relationships and how untreated psychological issues can lead to dangerous consequences.
Condition
Symptoms
Explanation
Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
Involuntary and uncontrollable laughter or crying
A neurological disorder caused by brain trauma or injury, often leading to fits of laughing or crying at inappropriate moments. Likely explains Arthur’s uncontrollable laughing fits.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Distorted thinking, paranoia, delusions, difficulty in forming relationships
This could account for Arthur’s intense emotions, unstable relationships, and his increasingly erratic behavior.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Intense mood swings, unstable relationships, fear of abandonment
Could account for Arthur’s intense emotions, unstable relationships, and his increasingly erratic behavior.
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness
Arthur’s depression is evident through his persistent sadness, lack of joy, and hopeless outlook on life.
Anxiety Disorder
Excessive worry, panic attacks, difficulty coping with stress
Arthur exhibits signs of anxiety, particularly when interacting with others or in high-pressure situations, which may contribute to his social isolation and extreme responses to stress.
Possible Diagnoses for Arthur Fleck’s Condition
Conclusion
WhileJokerandJoker: Folie à Deuxnever explicitly define Arthur Fleck’s mental illness, the films provide a disturbing and thought-provoking portrayal of one man’s psychological decline.
Through Joaquin Phoenix’s haunting performance, audiences are given a glimpse into the mind of a deeply troubled individual whose struggles with mental health are both terrifying and tragic.
Arthur’s uncontrollable laughter, delusions, and violent tendencies suggest a combination of neurological and psychological disorders, including pseudobulbar affect, personality disorders, and depression.
As Arthur’s story continues to captivate audiences, the films serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the devastating consequences of societal neglect.
Joker: Folie à Deuxleaves many questions unanswered, but one thing is clear: Arthur Fleck’s journey is far from over.
Whether or not he is truly the Joker or just a man lost in his delusions, his story challenges us to consider the fine line between sanity and madness.
Last Updated: October 7, 2024
