VENICE, Italy (AP) — The Venice Film Festival is gearing up to host Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix for the world premiere of “Joker: Folie à Deux” on Wednesday evening.
Todd Phillips’ film is one of the most eagerly awaited entries at the festival, competing officially five years after the original “Joker” took home the Golden Lion award. Warner Bros. is providing the film with a glamorous launch at the festival ahead of its theatrical release in October.
In “Joker: Folie à Deux,” Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, who is now confined to Arkham Asylum and awaiting trial for his crimes. While there, he crosses paths with Gaga’s character, Harley Quinn.
“We knew we needed to aim high; we aimed to create something as wild and bold as Joker himself,” Phillips expressed in his director’s statement. “Scott Silver and I crafted a script that explores the concept of identity more deeply. Who really is Arthur Fleck? And where does the music within him originate?”
The sequel to Joker is in the running for the festival’s top awards alongside films such as Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door,” Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer,” Pablo Larraín’s “Maria,” and Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl.” The winners will be announced on the final day of the festival, September 7.
This year’s festival features numerous Hollywood A-listers, including Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt. There’s also a lot of buzz surrounding Lady Gaga’s possible outfit for the occasion.
Six years ago, during “A Star Is Born,” she stunned audiences with her extravagant looks and memorable entrances, creating some of the festival’s most iconic moments of the century. Who could forget her perched on the private water taxi in that striking black Jonathan Simkhai bustier dress, blowing kisses to fans and photographers? Later, she dazzled on the red carpet in a breathtaking pale pink feathered Valentino Couture gown that stood out even against the rainy backdrop.
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