Each time the film looks as if it is going to break out of the prison of its own making and unleash the Joker and Harley back onto the mean streets of Gotham City, the characters and the story return to the prison cell or the courtroom. At one point, the pair run riot through the hospital grounds but are quickly apprehended. Only 105 minutes into the film and the action, such as it is, looks like it’s about to be ramped up and that events are about to take a dark and interesting turn: Joker is kitted out in his villain’s guise, Harley applies her signature makeup, and an explosive device rips through the film. Finally, chaos and madness are about to reign. But no, we are disappointed once more.
Joker: Folie à deux at the Venice Film Festival: depressingly dull and plodding
