Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga Star in “Joker: Folie à Deux” at Venice Film Festival

Joaquin Phoenix, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Joker in the 2019 hit Joker, revealed that a dream about his iconic character inspired the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, picking up where the original left off. Phoenix reprises his role as the villainous Joker, now imprisoned and awaiting trial for multiple murders. His character becomes captivated by fellow inmate Harleen Quinzel, portrayed by Lady Gaga, leading to a passionate and intense love story.

Joker: Folie à Deux takes a different approach from its predecessor, incorporating musical elements and hallucinatory song-and-dance sequences. Phoenix and Gaga perform unique renditions of classic hits like Judy Garland’s Get Happy and the showbiz anthem That’s Entertainment. Lady Gaga explained that music in the film serves as a vehicle for the characters to express emotions that dialogue alone couldn’t convey.

Phoenix, known for his dedication to transforming himself for roles, previously lost 52 pounds for his portrayal in the first Joker film. While he suggested he had lost another 47 pounds for the sequel, he later downplayed the claim. Phoenix acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining such a rigorous diet, especially while rehearsing for the film’s demanding dance numbers. “I’m now 49, I probably shouldn’t do this again,” he admitted, reflecting on the toll the preparation took on him. Gaga, too, underwent a significant physical transformation, adjusting her singing style to suit her character’s raw emotionality.

The original Joker was a massive success, earning rave reviews, the top prize at Venice, and over $1 billion at the global box office. Director Todd Phillips said he felt more pressure presenting the sequel, acknowledging that expectations are higher this time around. “There’s a lot more expectations on a second film,” he noted, adding that the first Joker benefited from flying under the radar.

In Joker: Folie à Deux, Phoenix’s character embarks on a new emotional journey, driven by his obsession with Quinzel. “What drives Arthur? I mean simply love. I think the quest for love and that kind of safety that I think he yearns for,” Phoenix explained.

The film is one of 21 entries competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival, set to be awarded on September 7.

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