Joker: Folie a Deux has made a significant impact at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it received an impressive 10.5-minute standing ovation. Directed by Todd Phillips and featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film has generated considerable excitement, especially given its strong ties to the first installment, which won the Golden Lion at the festival five years ago.
During the ovation, the audience passionately chanted “Ga-ga, Ga-ga!” while Lady Gaga expressed her gratitude and affection for the fans. This sequel builds upon the success of the first Joker, which grossed over $1 billion and earned multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Phoenix.
In this new installment, Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, while Gaga plays Lee, a patient in Arkham State Hospital who becomes Harley Quinn. Their characters develop a romantic relationship amid the complexities of mental illness and crime. The film is also noted for its musical elements, expanding on Phoenix’s performance style from the original.
The supporting cast features Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey, with Zazie Beetz returning as Sophie. Phillips shared that returning to Venice with this sequel felt right but also brought a sense of nervousness, as creating a follow-up is inherently more challenging.
Phoenix and Gaga’s working relationship has been described as refreshing and enjoyable, with Gaga commenting on the collaborative spirit they shared. Both actors have undergone significant physical transformations for their roles, though Phoenix was somewhat secretive about the specifics of his weight loss, acknowledging the challenges of the process.
Joker: Folie a Deux is set to release on October 4, and the anticipation surrounding the film suggests it will be another critical and commercial success.
