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Lady Gaga’s bold journey into Oscar territory with ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’
A risky leap into Gotham’s shadows
Lady Gaga is preparing to step into the spotlight for her first supporting actress run at the Oscars with ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’. The film, which has already faced harsh reviews, could still offer Mother Monster a path to Oscar glory. But how far can her star power take such a critically panned movie?
Diving deeper into Arthur Fleck’s madness
Picking up where the controversial 2019 ‘Joker’ left off, the sequel follows Arthur Fleck, portrayed once again by Joaquin Phoenix. Institutionalized at Arkham Asylum, Arthur awaits trial for his violent crimes, grappling with a shattered identity. In this chaotic environment, he finds solace and love with Lee, an inmate played by Gaga. Through their bond, Arthur begins to embrace the music that has echoed in his troubled mind.
A standout performance in a limited role
Despite her role being surprisingly limited, Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is dark and nuanced. While she often serves as a complement to Fleck’s internal struggles, her character brings a reserved yet sinister interpretation of the iconic villain. Leigh Gill’s return as Gary Puddles also adds to the film’s strong performances, but it’s Gaga’s presence that truly stands out.
The musical heavyweight showdown
This award season promises fierce competition in the supporting actress category. Gaga will face off against other notable musicians like Selena Gomez in Emilia Pérez, Ariana Grande in Wicked, and Jennifer Lopez in Unstoppable. Should all secure nominations, anticipation for the Oscars will soar. However, can Warner Bros. rely solely on Gaga to carry ‘Joker’ to success?
The first ‘Joker’: A tale of division and success
The original Joker was divisive yet successful, winning the Golden Lion at Venice and garnering 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Despite its polarized reception, it stood alongside celebrated films like 1917, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Parasite, the eventual Best Picture winner.
Assessing ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Oscar prospects
With a current Rotten Tomatoes score of 35%, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ faces steep odds for awards recognition. The film’s chances might hinge on the reception of Gaga’s performance. Although the field of potential nominees appears free from controversy, this film could become the contentious nominee that sets critics alight.
Gaga’s awards season pedigree
Gaga is no stranger to the awards circuit. Back in 2018, she became one of the few to be nominated for both acting and songwriting in the same year for A Star Is Born, winning the Oscar for Best Original Song. Her consistent presence across Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Critics Choice, and BAFTAs demonstrates her formidable standing. As Gaga pens the film’s title track, it’s still uncertain whether she will push it for Oscar consideration.
A team of seasoned professionals behind the scenes
Despite the critical panning, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ boasts an ensemble of respected Hollywood talent, including Oscar-winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, cinematographer Lawrence Sher, editor Jeff Groth, production designer Mark Friedberg, set decorator Karen O’Hara, and costume designer Arianne Phillips. These revered figures, recognized for their work in the first Joker, could strengthen the film’s nomination chances in technical categories.
Phoenix’s formidable transformation
Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is another pivotal element. Known for his intense physical and emotional transformations, his portrayal in ‘Folie à Deux’ mirrors the haunting depth of the original. The Academy’s tradition of rewarding such dedication adds to his potential for another nomination, although the less crowded Best Actor category might ultimately make his path easier.
Oscar’s historical landscape
History shows that since the inception of the Oscars, only 16 films out of 102 with 10 or more nominations have spawned direct sequels that also earned nominations. While ‘The Godfather Part II’, ‘The Exorcist’, and ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ feature among these, it remains to be seen if ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ will follow suit.
Critics vs. Academy voters
One must bear in mind that critics and Oscar voters often diverge in their preferences. Films criticized heavily by the media sometimes receive significant Oscar nods. What does this mean for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’? Might it become the polarizing nominee that riles up both fans and critics alike?
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