CINEMA
Why is ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’ rated R?
Six months ahead of its theatrical release, the movie starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga has received a Restricted rating,
Todd Phillips’ follow-up to ‘Joker’, entitled ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’, has emerged as one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Just six months away from its international theatrical debut, the film featuring the acclaimed Batman villain, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, has received its rating.
According to information from Variety, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) has awarded the film an R (Restricted) rating, signifying that anyone wishing to view the feature must be 17 years of age or older. Minors will need to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian to gain entry to theaters.
Why is ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’ being rated R?
As explained by the aforementioned source, ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’ will be rated R due to its “strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality, and brief full nudity.” However, the rating is unlikely to pose a problem for the sequel, as its predecessor was also classified in this category.
Indeed, in 2021, the first installment of ‘Joker’ shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film in history by grossing $1.07 billion globally. The movie’s budget was $60 million and as well as 11 nominations at the Academy Awards, Phoenix triumphed as Best Actor and Hildur Guðnadóttir won for Best Original Score.
Is ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’ a musical?
Unlike the first installment, ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’ will be a musical film, hence the inclusion of singing superstar Lady Gaga in the cast. According to various reports, the movie will feature at least 15 reinterpretations of “well-known” songs. The film will hit international theaters on 4 October 2024, while the first trailer is set to be unveiled on 9 April.
What does Folie a Deux mean?
“Folie à deux” is a French term that translates to “madness of two” or “shared psychosis” in English. It refers to a psychiatric condition in which two individuals, typically in close association, share the same delusions or hallucinations.
It’s a rare phenomenon, usually occurring within family members, couples, or close friends, where one person’s delusional beliefs are transmitted to another. Both individuals come to share the same abnormal beliefs or behaviours. This condition is considered a subtype of shared psychotic disorder in psychiatric literature.