Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix shine at Venice Film Festival with ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’
A night to remember
The Venice Film Festival witnessed a spectacular evening as Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix graced the red carpet for the premiere of Todd Phillips’ much-anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. The film received an overwhelming 11-minute standing ovation, a testament to its impact and the star power of its cast.
Red carpet moments
Before the screening, Phoenix arrived early, engaging warmly with fans and taking selfies. The atmosphere was electric, with Phillips borrowing a paper fan from a guest to cool himself in the sweltering heat. Gaga’s arrival was nothing short of a spectacle. The paparazzi frenzy reached new heights as photographers jostled for the perfect shot of the star. One fan, sporting pink hair, held a sign that read, “Gaga, I just wanna hold your hand for a while.” Gaga, dressed impeccably, needed assistance maneuvering in her outfit, signing autographs and interacting with fans.
The ovation and the stars
As the film concluded, the applause was deafening. Gaga, seated in the balcony, descended to sign autographs, almost causing a stampede as fans clamored for a selfie. Phoenix, overwhelmed by the adulation, left the theater after nine minutes of clapping. The duo was seen in deep conversation during the ovation, possibly discussing the film’s reception. Gaga also shared tender moments with her fiancé, Michael Polansky, during the celebration.
The legacy of ‘Joker’
Joker: Folie à Deux follows the success of Phillips’ 2019 film Joker, which premiered at Venice and won the prestigious Golden Lion. The original film became the sixth-highest-grossing film of the year and earned multiple Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Phoenix and Best Original Score for Hildur Guðnadóttir. It garnered 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, marking a significant achievement for a DC Comics film.
A new chapter
Set two years after the events of Joker, Folie à Deux introduces a musical element and the addition of Lady Gaga to the cast. According to the official synopsis, Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck, now a patient at Arkham State Hospital, falls in love with music therapist Lee (Gaga). Their shared delusions lead to musical madness, sparking a movement among Arthur’s followers to liberate him.
Behind the scenes
In a recent interview, Phillips shared his motivations for creating the sequel, despite Joker initially being intended as a standalone film. “Why do something if it doesn’t scare the shit out of you?” Phillips remarked. “I’m addicted to risk. It keeps you up at night. It makes your hair fall out. But it’s the sweat that keeps you going.”
Gaga’s return to Venice
Gaga’s last appearance at the Venice Film Festival was in 2018 with Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born, which received an eight-minute standing ovation and kickstarted its award campaign. Her return with Joker: Folie à Deux has once again captivated audiences and critics alike.
The cast and release
Joker: Folie à Deux also features Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz. The film is set to premiere in theaters on October 4, promising to be a cinematic event not to be missed.
Final thoughts
The Venice Film Festival premiere of Joker: Folie à Deux was a night of glamour, excitement, and profound appreciation for the art of cinema. With its star-studded cast and innovative approach, the film is poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. For those who cherish the magic of movies, this sequel is a must-watch, blending the dark allure of the original with a fresh, musical twist.