Todd Phillips’ latest directorial venture, the musical psychological thriller film “Joker: Folie a Deux,” captured the spotlight at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, receiving an overwhelmingly positive reception. The film, headlined by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, was met with a standing ovation that lasted an extraordinary 10.5 minutes, showcasing the audience’s admiration and excitement.
The grand moment unfolded in the Sala Grande, as an ecstatic crowd congratulated the film’s creative force, including the distinguished director Todd Phillips, who previously won the festival’s prestigious Golden Lion award for the first Joker film five years ago. The standing ovation was punctuated with enthusiastic chants of “Ga-ga, Ga-ga, Ga-ga!” and effusive declarations of love for Lady Gaga, who gracefully reciprocated by blowing kisses and thanking her fans while sharing continuous laughter with her co-star, Joaquin Phoenix.
The 2019 Joker film, a resounding success both critically and commercially, set high expectations with its 11 Oscar nominations and wins for Joaquin Phoenix as Best Actor and Hildur Gudnadottir for Original Score. It also became the highest-grossing R-rated movie in history. In this eagerly awaited sequel, Phoenix returns to reprise his role as the complex and tormented Joker. Lady Gaga joins the franchise as Harley Quinn, adding a fresh dynamic to the narrative.
The supporting cast features notable names such as Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey, along with Zazie Beetz returning as Sophie from the first film. The sequel introduces a musical element, inspired by Phoenix’s memorable dance scenes from the original movie. Joker: Folie a Deux aspires to capture the same unexpected magic that made its predecessor a global sensation, with the first instalment having grossed over a billion dollars at the worldwide box office.
In a press conference held prior to the film’s premiere, director Todd Phillips shared his reflections on returning to the Venice International Film Festival. “It feels correct to be back here,” he remarked, expressing his connection to the festival. However, Phillips admitted to feeling more nervous about the sequel, mentioning, “It’s a lot easier to come into something as an insurgent than it is as the incumbent. There’s definitely a sense of more nervousness with this second one.”
Lady Gaga’s character, Lee, evolves into Harley Quinn, a patient at Arkham State Hospital where Arthur Fleck, Phoenix’s character, is held as a maximum-security inmate.
. The plot unfolds as Arthur, awaiting trial for five murders, participates in a music therapy group where he and Lee quickly develop a romantic relationship. Lee recognizes Arthur as the Joker and attempts to revive his alter-ego, setting the stage for the film’s psychological intrigue.
Zazie Beetz’s character, Sophie Dumond, makes a brief appearance, being called as a witness for the prosecution led by young assistant district attorney Harvey Dent, played by Harry Lawtey. The narrative tease hints at Dent’s eventual transformation into his notorious villainous persona, Two-Face.
Phillips and Phoenix both emphasized their commitment to delivering an audacious sequel. According to Phillips, they agreed that a follow-up project would only be worth doing if it felt bold and ambitious. He shared, “Could we make something unexpected like the first one even though it’s a sequel?” This shared vision drove their collaboration and creative process.
Lady Gaga, a global pop sensation, described her experience working with Joaquin Phoenix as refreshingly spontaneous and enjoyable. “I actually really enjoyed it,” she revealed to the media, highlighting the unique dynamic of her interaction with Phoenix. “He’s incredibly loose and free,” she added, reflecting on their on-screen synergy.
When questioned about the physical demands of their roles, particularly regarding weight loss, Phoenix chose not to divulge the exact amount of weight he shed for the film. He acknowledged that the process felt more challenging this time but assured it was safe. Reflecting on his age, Phoenix admitted, “I’m now 49, I probably shouldn’t do this again. This is probably it for me.” Lady Gaga shared a humorous tidbit about how they supported him during the demanding period, saying, “We fed (Joaquin) blueberries when he was hungry.”
As the excitement from the Venice premiere carries forward, fans eagerly await the official release of “Joker: Folie a Deux” on October 4. With its star-studded cast, innovative approach, and enthusiastic reception, the film is poised to make a significant impact in the world of cinema.
