Director Todd Phillips confirmed Gaga’s account in an interview with Variety, adding that Phoenix’s approach to filmmaking is anything but conventional.
He explained that Phoenix often challenges scenes, insisting on meetings even when everyone else thought a scene was ready to shoot. These impromptu discussions could stretch for hours, during which the team would rewrite scenes on napkins, completely overhauling what was originally planned.
Phillips also praised Lady Gaga’s ability to hold her own during these moments of spontaneous rewriting. Despite the last-minute changes, Gaga adapted quickly, learning the scenes one way only to have them change entirely just before filming. Phillips admired her commitment, especially when working alongside intense actors like Phoenix.
The unpredictable nature of the film’s creation echoes Phoenix’s previous work. Director Ridley Scott shared a similar experience while filming Napoleon, where Phoenix’s discomfort with certain scenes led to significant rewrites. Scott described Phoenix as highly intuitive, noting that his constant questioning ultimately improved the film.
In Joker: Folie à Deux, Phoenix’s character Arthur Fleck is on trial for murder after killing a late-night host on live TV. While in Arkham Asylum, he forms a romantic connection with Lady Gaga’s character, Lee, which influences the trial’s outcome.
Joker: Folie à Deux is set to release in theaters on October 4, and its collaborative, ever-evolving creative process may contribute to its unique feel.
