The cast of Todd Phillips' Joker sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, was officially announced on August 4th thanks to a "cheeky" teaser featuring the silhouettes of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga dancing to Louis Armstrong's "Cheek to Cheek." Not only did the news of the Oscar-winning songstress taking on the mantle of Harley Quinn surprise many, the further reveal that the film would be a musical left most people bewildered.
Although it is unusual for a sequel to switch genres, a musical would be a perfect way to emphasize the twisted fantasy world Joker has created in his head, while also highlighting his relationship with Harley. It's not clear whether the film will feature original songs, but it's safe to say that these classic choices would fit perfectly.
"People Are Strange" is arguably one of the best-known songs from the American rock band The Doors. First released in 1967, the song received praise for its haunting melody and subversive lyrics. Lead singer, Jim Morrison was also attributed to the song's success, as his lead vocals are a trademark in American music history.
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The song itself is about feeling alienated from everyone and feeling as though there's no one paying attention. It can be taken as both a cry for help but also a celebration of being unusual and marching to the beat of one's one drum. This dichotomy perfectly describes Joaquin Phoenix's Joker as he finds himself battling and eventually coming to terms with his inner issues.
In 1950, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong recorded their duet version of the popular love song, "Dream a Little Dream of Me." Fabian Andre, Wilbur Schwandt, and Gus Kahn first wrote the song in 1931, but it was Fitzgerald and Armstrong's jazz-infused take that stood the test of time, most recently being considered one of the best songs featured on Stranger Things season four.
With lyrics like, "Stars fading, but I linger on" and "still craving your kiss" conveying feelings of deep adoration and obsession, this song would be an ideal opportunity to expand on Harley's unhealthy dynamic with the Joker. In addition, the heavy jazz instrumentals of the song would fit perfectly with Gaga's crooner voice.
In 1964, Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret co-starred in the musical film Viva Las Vegas. While the title track for the film is one of Elvis's most notable songs, his duet with Ann-Margret is a seductive and catchy musical number that discusses shifting power dynamics in a relationship.
Joker and Harley's relationship is unhealthy, as the power dynamic between the two is woefully one-sided. Harley's role in the relationship and her obsession with Joker could be expanded using this song. Its playful lyrics and subversive commentary would be an entertaining addition to the film, and seeing both Phoenix and Gaga emulate Elvis and Ann-Margret would be a must-see moment. The song would work perfectly as a segway to Harley helping Joker escape, something many Redditors want to have happen in Joker: Folie à Deux.
Tears For Fears is a British pop rock band that found middling success until the release of their single "Mad World" in 1982. The tune combines the upbeat tempo of new wave with a darker lyrical narrative. The song applauded for its unique composition and melancholy vocal performance by bassist Curt Smith.
In Todd Phillips' Joker, Arthur Fleck's untreated psychological issues bring forth intense depressive thoughts, which the song "Mad World" does an incredibly apt job with portraying those feelings. "No one knew me" and "Look right through me" are two examples of lyrics from the song that seem as though they were uttered by the desperate comedian. Furthermore, the translation of Folie á Deux title literally means, "madness for two," which could reference many things in the sequel.
The song "My Funny Valentine" was a musical number in the Rodgers and Hart musical Babes in Arms, which was first staged in 1937. Since then, the song has become a standard in the Jazz genre, with hundreds of covers, most notably by Chet Baker in 1952.
"My Funny Valentine" is a romantic song that follows a lover listing the many flaws of their significant other, but remaining in love because of the laughter that person brings. While Harley is not one to point out the flaws of her puddin', Gaga's sultry voice would bring such a haunting take on the song and including it would allow for Harley's character to show her reasoning behind her obsession. While there are many DC properties that would work as a musical, Joker and Harley are the most deserving.
In 1978, the Ramones released their fourth studio album, Road to Ruin. Their hit single, "I Wanna Be Sedated" is punk rock anthem discussing the hectic lives of touring and being a rock star. Not only is the song one of the band's most popular tunes, it is widely regarded as one of the best rock songs ever created.
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With a good portion of the sequel taking place in Arkham Asylum, the lyrics in the punk song fit perfectly. Staging a high-energy musical number within the walls of the hospital would result a pretty entertaining and inventive sequence. "Nothing to do, nowhere to go home, I wanna be sedated" alludes to Arthur's mandatory hold at the facility.
Although Kaye Ballard sang the original recording of the popular song in 1954, "Fly Me to the Moon" is more commonly associated with Frank Sinatra's 1964 cover. Considered to be a standard amongst jazz artists, the song is an ode to true love and the feeling of pure ecstasy when you give into your heart.
With lyrics like, "You are all I long for" and "All I worship and adore", this upbeat and whimsical love song seems as though it was made for Harley to sing. This could work as a confession to Joker about her true feelings or a plea for her feelings to be reciprocated by the Clowned Prince of Crime.
The Mills Brothers first released "You Always Hurt the One You Love" in 1944, which became one of the musical act's biggest hits. Over the years, many notable artists including Connie Francis, Ringo Starr, and Michael Bublé have covered the popular song proving its lasting effect.
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The song is told from the perspective of someone who is constantly hurt by his or her lover, lamenting about the constant battle between heartache and true love. This track would be an ideal song for Harley to sing to Joker, as the constant emotional abuse she suffers from him is alluded to in the lyrics. "You always take the sweetest rose and crush it till the petals fall, you always break the kindest heart with a hasty word you can't recall" is an apt summary of the unhealthy relationship dynamic between the duo.
"Put on a Happy Face" is one of the many songs in the hit 1960 Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie. Originally sung by Dick Van Dyke, the song gained more mainstream success when Tony Bennett covered it in 1960. This optimistic song is about smiling through adversity and remaining positive.
With the obvious references to smiling and happy faces, there is no song better fit to describe the Joker's inner thought process. He's damaged, he's broken, but he remains positive no matter how terrible the situation is. The upbeat tempo would also be an interesting contrast from the dark subject matter in the film.
Frank Sinatra's version of the 1936 Cole Porter song is easily the most well known cover of the popular song. Sinatra's raspy and commanding voice makes for a wonderfully unique and sultry take on the standard. The song is about being unable to ignore the growing feelings of affection towards someone no matter how hard you try.
The lyrics including "I'd tried so, not to give in, I said to myself this affair never will go so well" could very well be Harley's internal dialogue when she first finds herself falling for the Joker. The use of this song in the film would be a delightful and whimsical way to convey Quinn's obsession while simultaneously conveying Joker's annoyance with his new lady.
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