Even as their latest films face difficulties at the box office, two legendary directors are showing support for each other’s creative visions. Francis Ford Coppola recently praised Todd Phillips’ musical follow-up to 2019’s “Joker.” Coppola’s comments come as “Joker: Folie à Deux” earned less than expected in its opening weekend.
The “Joker” sequel debuted to $20 million on its first day. Projections now estimate $40-50 million for the opening weekend. This is far lower than the original “Joker” which earned $96 million domestically. Audiences also seem split on the new format, as “Folie à Deux” received a rare D CinemaScore. The film blends the antihero story with musical elements, a choice that divided some fans.
Despite the box office setbacks, Coppola showed support on Instagram. The director of “The Godfather” wrote, “Ever since the wonderful ‘The Hangover,’ Phillips has always been one step ahead of the audience.” Coppola suggested that Phillips’ work might appeal more over time, as with Coppola’s 1981 film “One From the Heart.” That film served as an inspiration for “Joker 2” cinematography.
Challenging projects like “Joker: Folie à Deux” and Coppola’s latest, “Megalopolis,” highlight difficulties for ambitious films today. “Megalopolis” cost $120 million but earned only $4 million so far. It too received a poor CinemaScore of D+. “Joker 2” also came with high financial stakes, costing $190-200 million compared to the first film’s $55 million budget.
Both “Joker 2” and “Megalopolis” have split critical reviews so far, with Rotten Tomatoes scores around 30-50%. As Coppola and Phillips deal with audience and critic responses, their situations show the unpredictable nature of the film industry. Only time will tell if their visions gain appreciation over time, as Coppola’s “One From the Heart” did. For now, Coppola’s praise recognizes the bond between directors brave enough to challenge expectations.
