Harley Quinn's Journey in Joker: Folie à Deux

In the final scene of "Joker: Folie à Deux," Lee, played by Lady Gaga, fully embodies the classic Harley Quinn style. Unlike Arthur who is near bare-faced and in a grey suit, Lee is in her regalia with dramatic makeup and outfit, signaling her transformation into the dreamy headspace of a performer. This transformation occurs gradually throughout the movie as Lee, infatuated with Arthur, urges him to embrace his Joker persona while she adopts more dramatic outfits and makeup. By refusing to run away with him in their final encounter, it's as if Lee has taken the supervillain status for herself.

Gaga's album "Harlequin," released alongside the movie, features a cover of "The Joker" that is rawer and more aggressive than Arthur's traditional rendition. In her version, Gaga practically growls through the song, declaring "The Joker is me" in a terrifyingly triumphant assertion. This fits with Lee's character, who lies about her past to be close to Arthur and ultimately commits herself to Arkham voluntarily just to meet him. This twist on the usual Harley-Joker dynamic sets up an unhinged and villainous Harley Quinn, primed for taking over Gotham now that Arthur is dead. The movie leaves Lee's story open, suggesting a new chapter has begun for her character. It would be fascinating to see how she fulfills this deliciously villainous potential on the big screen.

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