The megastar was the main attraction at the world premiere of “Joker: Folie a Deux” at the Venice Film Festival, one of 21 films vying for the top Golden Lion prize at the prestigious competition.
Todd Phillips’s 2019 film starring Joaquin Phoenix subverted the codes of superhero films in a disturbing commentary on alienation in American society, with the film going on to win at Venice that year and handing a Best Actor Academy Award to Phoenix.
On the red carpet, Lady Gaga drew screams from fans, where she showed off an elaborate mask that suggested two pointy Batman ears draped with a swathe of Venetian lace, paired with a black velvet gown with a generous taffeta skirt.
Following the premiere, the highly anticipated sequel opened to a mixed bag of early reviews. While some critics and audiences are hailing it as the “movie of the year,” others have dismissed it as a “pointless” sequel that fails to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor.
Fans and some critics have been effusive in their praise, particularly highlighting the performances of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. One review exclaimed, “What a performance! What a story! What a beauty! What a movie! Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix nailed it. Todd Phillips once again proves that he is the best of the best. #JokerFolieADeux deserves everything! What more can I say? #Joker2 is easily MOVIE OF THE YEAR.”
Another positive review noted the risky decision to make the film a musical, stating, “#JokerFolieADeux as a musical? It actually, incredibly works! #JoaquinPhoenix is terrific as a singing #Joker in #ToddPhillips’ big gamble that pays off, thanks to his cast, including #LadyGaga, and the surprising yet perfect and ironic selection of songs.”
Some reviewers have also applauded Todd Phillips’ growth as a filmmaker, with one comment calling the movie “a work of art that showcases Todd Phillips’ growth as a filmmaker with stunning sequences and incredible performances from Phoenix and Gaga.”
However, not all reactions have been favorable. Some critics have found *Joker: Folie à Deux* to be a frustrating and disappointing follow-up to the original. One review expressed discontent, stating, “JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX is a boring and pointless movie that feels designed to make everyone mad, perhaps especially the die-hard fans of the first one. It’s a real Joker in that way.”
Another harsh critique called the film “boring, flat, and such a criminal waste of Lady Gaga that we should demand a public hearing,” suggesting that the movie’s attempt to capture the chaotic essence of its characters fell short.
The film has generated a significant amount of Oscar buzz following its premiere. However, much like the critical response to the film itself, the Oscar predictions are also mixed, with some hailing it as a surefire contender, while others remain sceptical. Fans and some industry insiders are already predicting that ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ will be a major player at the upcoming Academy Awards. One enthusiastic reviewer declared, “Folie À Deux is PHENOMENAL. Phoenix & Gaga have never been better, Oscars secured!! A dramatic & groundbreaking, musical masterpiece. Stunning climax that’ll honk you to completion. Not just another sequel, it’s the BEST DC film ever! A fitting end.”
Ahead of Wednesday’s premiere, the pop star and actress confessed to having been “deeply moved” by the original film, in which an ignored, mocked and mentally ill stand-up comic, Arthur Fleck (Phoenix), is driven to violence.
In her return to the big screen after 2021’s “House of Gucci”, Lady Gaga plays Harley Quinn, the partner in crime and love interest of the Joker, with whom she becomes obsessed as he awaits trial for his murder spree.
The film — loosely based on the DC Comics characters and set in a gritty Gotham City — was wildly successful, grossing $1 billion at the box office but sparking criticism for its nihilistic violence.
Phillips said he was happy to return to Venice, but “a little more nervous” this time around.
“I think it’s a lot easier to come in to something as the insurgent as opposed to coming in as the incumbent,” he said.
“There’s a lot more expectations on a second film so there’s definitely a sense of more nervousness than I had with the first one.”
In co-writing the screenplay with Scott Silver, Phillips said he knew it would have to be as daring as the original in order for Phoenix to sign on again.
“If we really were going to do it, it had to scare him in the same way the first one did. It had to feel audacious,” he said.
This year’s festival has been awash in Hollywood pizzazz, with a long roster of A-listers taking a twirl on the red carpet, from Daniel Craig and Angelina Jolie to Nicole Kidman and Michael Keaton.
Joker: Folie A Deux – Official Trailer
