Let the Joy Resurface: The Joker Returns with Lady Gaga!

VENICE, Italy (AP) — Following the monumental success of “Joker,” a film that defied expectations and earned over a billion dollars at the box office, Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix face a new challenge with “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The original film, a dark narrative inspired by Scorsese, not only secured Phoenix an Oscar but also sparked widespread cultural conversations.

Recognizing the daunting prospect of recreating that success, Phillips and Phoenix decided to take a bold new direction with the sequel, which delves deeper into the psyche of the Batman villain, Arthur Fleck. The film transitions into a dark and fantastical musical, exploring Fleck’s experiences while he awaits trial for murder and embarks on a complicated romance with Lee, portrayed by Lady Gaga. This sequel promises a chaotic blend of singing, dancing, and disorder.

Critics are already divided over the film’s approach, but Phillips and Phoenix are determined to embrace the unsettling and audacious nature that characterized the first installment.

“HOW WILL JOAQUIN PHOENIX AGREE TO A SEQUEL?”

The conversation around sequels often ignites when a comic book film shatters records, yet for “Joker,” there was never any certainty that it would lead to a follow-up, especially given Phoenix’s reluctance towards sequels. However, he discovered that his journey with Arthur Fleck wasn’t complete.

During the initial filming, Phoenix envisioned how the character might respond to various settings and scenarios, even creating mock-up movie posters featuring the Joker in classic films such as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

“Sometimes you feel finished, but other times, there’s a lingering curiosity,” Phoenix remarked. “It felt like there was more to uncover. … I sensed that we hadn’t reached the end.”

Motivated by this realization, Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver started crafting a new script, incorporating music that reflected the chaos in Fleck’s mind. When he meets Lee, a devoted Joker enthusiast, his mundane existence in Arkham transforms into something vibrant and colorful.

Phillips clarified, “Joaquin Phoenix isn’t interested in creating something simply for fan service. He craved the same level of fear and excitement from this project as he did with the first film. So, we aimed to develop something that was equally bold and unique, hoping the audience would connect with it.”

THE EVOLUTION OF LADY GAGA’S CHARACTER

One of the most debated decisions surrounding the new film is the casting of Lady Gaga, known for her powerful voice, in a role where her character, Lee, doesn’t actually sing. Phillips, who produced “A Star is Born,” sought an artist who could bring a unique musical flair. However, he made it clear that Lee would not be taking the stage.

“Singing is innate to me, especially this kind of music,” Gaga expressed. “For this film, I had to train myself to step away from my usual style and not get locked into my natural tendencies. It was a significant transformation.”

Phoenix, initially unsure about collaborating with such a globally recognized figure, found Gaga to be genuine and fully committed to her role.

“Her vocal strength lies in her singing, and for her to forgo that for the sake of her character was an impressive and challenging process,” he noted. “I admired her determination to approach the music through Lee’s lens rather than her own.”

In addition to contributing a “waltz that falls apart” for the score, Gaga is also set to release a companion album titled “Harlequin,” featuring tracks like “Oh, When the Saints” and “That’s Life,” alongside the film’s release.

RECONCEPTUALIZING HARLEY QUINN

Much like how Phoenix’s Joker stands apart from previous portrayals by actors like Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson, Gaga’s Lee is distinct from Margot Robbie’s depiction of Harley Quinn in “Birds of Prey.”

“We will never overshadow what Margot Robbie accomplished,” Phillips acknowledged. “You have to do a complete 180-degree turn.”

While Lee may still engage in chaotic antics, her character hinges more on internal conflicts. Gaga dedicated herself to crafting a grounded persona that feels deeply real and relatable.

“I focused on her inner turmoil, recognizing that she harbors a particular kind of raw danger,” Gaga shared. “It’s more of a hidden, explosive energy rather than an overt one.”

CREATING A THRILLING ENVIRONMENT

Brendan Gleeson joined the cast without hesitation, having previously collaborated with Phoenix on “The Village.” He praised the intensity and originality Phoenix brings to his roles.

“His relentless drive is something to admire. He won’t settle for the mundane,” Gleeson observed. “When I asked if they just wanted a simple brute for my character, they desired something deeper.”

Both Phillips and Phoenix thrive in a chaotic environment, aiming to maintain an atmosphere that allows for spontaneity on set.

“We love mayhem, both onscreen and behind the scenes,” Phillips conveyed. “It’s essential that the film retains a sense of unpredictability.”

THEMATIC EXPLORATIONS

After Arthur’s shocking act of violence against Murray Franklin on live television, he transformed into a cultural figure marked by intrigue and ambiguity. The upcoming trial in “Folie à Deux” will also unfold under the scrutiny of the public eye.

“At the core of the film is the concept of corruption in various systems, from prisons to the judiciary to the broader realm of entertainment,” Phillips elaborated. “In the U.S., it’s fascinating how everything can become a form of entertainment, including court trials and political elections. So it raises the question: what truly defines entertainment?”

ADDRESSING EXPECTATIONS

Phillips noted that while a Joker film can never entirely escape scrutiny, the stakes feel even higher in their return to the franchise.

“You can’t shake the feeling that there’s a larger target on your back,” he admitted. “Although the bulk of filming took place on sound stages in Los Angeles, we ventured back to New York to capture the Bronx staircase, now famously dubbed the Joker Stairs, along with staging a massive protest scene in front of a Manhattan courthouse.”

With the film’s budget expanded, there’s been trepidation about whether it can recreate the success of its predecessor. Nonetheless, Phillips remains resolute.

“There is indeed added pressure, but that’s just part of filmmaking,” he stated. “You simply can’t appease everyone; you have to forge ahead.”

Gleeson remains optimistic, noting the film’s blend of deep artistry with mainstream appeal. “Its blend of arthouse integrity within a blockbuster setting is promising for cinema,” he remarked. “If these major films can continue offering profound narratives, there’s no reason to fear for the future of cinema.”

SO, IS IT A MUSICAL?

Phillips emphasized that while the film includes musical elements, it bears a significantly darker tone than traditional musicals. “Yes, it has the components of a musical, but unlike other musicals that often conclude on a happy note, this film is steeped in sorrow, which was not my intention to mislead audiences,” he clarified.