Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for Joker: Folie a Deux.
A seemingly innocuous moment in Joker: Folie a Deux sees Arthur Fleck kiss a fellow inmate called Ricky, but this scene is actually vital to Joker’s character arc. In DC’s Joker: Folie a Deux, Todd Phillips continues to delve into the complexities of Arthur Fleck’s psyche, exploring themes of love, loss, and the consequences of violence. Among the film’s many new characters is Ricky, a seemingly minor figure whose interaction with Arthur during their time at Arkham Asylum provides significant insight into Arthur’s emotional state.
In Joker: Folie a Deux, Arthur Fleck is befriended by an inmate at Arkham Asylum called Ricky. Played by Jacob Lofland, Ricky is seen throughout following and supporting Arthur Fleck. As Joker: Folie a Deux unfolds, Ricky’s role evolves, culminating in a tragic fate that deeply impacts Arthur, with possibly the most pivotal development in the narrative.
Why Arthur Kissed Ricky Explained
During an Arkham Asylum yard time scene in Joker: Folie a Deux, Arthur is approached by Ricky under the watchful eyes of the guards. Ricky, encouraged by the guards, asks Arthur to kiss him. Arthur responds by tenderly pecking the inmate on the lips, much to the amusement of the security.
The kiss in Joker: Folie a Deux symbolizes Arthur’s profound emotional detachment and willingness to comply with whatever is asked of him. He engages in this act not out of desire or affection, but because he’s so broken down by his imprisonment that he simply does as he’s told. The guards’ laughter and encouragement amplify the absurdity of the moment, reducing a potentially intimate interaction to a cruel joke in a world devoid of genuine connection.
Shortly afterward, a guard quips that Arthur is a “hopeless romantic.” This nod to old-fashioned romantic tropes recalls the glamorous musicals that inspired the musical numbers. Additionally, in a world where genuine affection seems impossible, Arthur’s willingness to kiss Ricky can also be interpreted as an attempt for a fleeting connection – a momentary escape from his isolation, however misguided.
This scene also serves as a potential misdirect during a point when Harley Quinn’s existence is somewhat ambiguous. If Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn were merely a figment of Arthur’s imagination, it could have been Ricky whom Arthur had been kissing. Regardless, it emphasizes Arthur’s internal struggle between his desire for love and the grim reality he faces. The kiss, then, is both a manifestation of Arthur’s hopelessness and a commentary on his disillusionment with his life.
Is Ricky A DC Comics Character?
Ricky is not a character from DC Comics. His role in Joker: Folie a Deux appears to be created specifically for the film. While he does not have a pre-existing comic book counterpart, Ricky’s interaction with Arthur offers a crucial narrative device. Through Ricky, Arthur integrates his own identity, particularly after his death.
Ricky’s Role In Joker 2 Explained
In Joker: Folie a Deux, after Arthur returns to Arkham following a brutal assault by the guards, Ricky confronts them, seemingly defending Arthur. Tragically, this act of defiance leads to Ricky’s brutal death at the hands of a guard named Sullivan, who strangles him while Arthur lies defeated on the floor. This moment is not only shocking but also serves as a turning point for Arthur.
Ricky’s death acts as a wake-up call for Arthur, marking a pivotal moment in his journey. Up until this point, Arthur had been consumed by his own despair and self-destructive tendencies. The violence he experiences is often one-sided; he has been the victim of both society and his own actions. However, the death of Ricky forces Arthur to confront the consequences of his existence and actions. It is a visceral reminder that his choices can lead to harm, not just for himself but also for those who care about him, or who seek to connect with him.
This tragic event signifies the potential for change within Arthur. In the aftermath of Ricky’s death, the film uses a poignant flashback to illustrate Arthur’s growing realization of his actions’ impact. The scene flashes back to Arthur removing his makeup after his first kill, symbolizing a shift in his mindset. The makeup, representing the Joker persona, begins to lose its allure as Arthur grapples with the repercussions of violence.
In this context, Ricky’s fate becomes a catalyst for Arthur’s reevaluation of who he wants to be. It serves to emphasize the weight of responsibility he carries – not just for his own life but also for the lives of those around him. The kiss with Ricky, layered with both desperation and absurdity, now resonates with deeper meaning as Arthur confronts the loss of someone who dared to reach out to him in Joker: Folie a Deux.