Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Earns 11-Minute Standing Ovation at Venice
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At the Venice Film Festival, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga made waves with the highly anticipated premiere of Joker: Folie à Deux. The musical-infused sequel to 2019’s Joker not only captivated audiences but also received an impressive 12-minute standing ovation. With Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck and Gaga starring as Harley Quinn, the movie injected a surreal and intense energy into the festival.
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A Unique Take on the Sequel
Director Todd Phillips’ bold decision to transition the sequel into a musical pays off, bringing a fresh dynamic to the Joker universe. Gaga’s performance as Harley Quinn was a particular highlight, with her blend of vulnerability and chaotic energy offering a thrilling counterpart to Phoenix’s haunting portrayal of Fleck. The film’s vibrant cinematography, paired with a chilling score, added to the unique tone that Phillips has cultivated, distancing it further from traditional superhero films.
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Phoenix and Gaga’s Powerful On-Screen Chemistry
Phoenix’s return to his iconic role is no surprise, but it’s Lady Gaga’s performance that stands out. Her interpretation of Harley Quinn is both electrifying and emotional, creating an intense chemistry between her and Phoenix. The film explores their characters’ twisted relationship through a blend of musical numbers and psychological drama, offering a fresh narrative perspective that kept festivalgoers entranced.
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Oscar Buzz at Venice
After receiving thunderous applause and glowing reviews, Joker: Folie à Deux has already stirred up Oscar buzz, particularly for its leading actors. While Phoenix is no stranger to the awards circuit, Gaga’s performance is generating early talk for potential nominations. The film is poised to be a serious contender in the upcoming award season, thanks to its unique approach and standout performances.
Joker: Folie à Deux in Review
The powerful performances from both Phoenix and Gaga, coupled with Todd Phillips’ visionary direction, have cemented Joker: Folie à Deux as a standout in this year’s festival circuit. By daring to merge the psychological depths of Joker with the unpredictability of a musical, Phillips has delivered a film that defies conventional expectations. Phoenix’s haunting portrayal of Arthur Fleck, now paired with Gaga’s dynamic and emotionally charged Harley Quinn, creates an on-screen chemistry that has captivated critics and audiences alike. The film’s bold shift into musical territory adds a fresh layer of complexity to the Joker saga, offering a blend of spectacle and introspection rarely seen in sequels. With its arresting visuals, an emotionally charged narrative, and a musical score that enhances every scene, Joker 2 is poised to leave a lasting impression on both the festival circuit and the broader film industry. As excitement builds and critical acclaim pours in, Joker: Folie à Deux is already proving itself to be not just a follow-up, but a transformative cinematic event that challenges genre boundaries and elevates the art of storytelling.
As the festival continues, Joker: Folie à Deux is already being hailed as one of the event’s highlights, setting the stage for what could be another Oscar-worthy run for Phoenix and Gaga. However, with its current mixed reviews—7.4/10 on IMDb, 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 52% on Metacritic—there are questions about whether its bold stylistic choices will resonate enough with the broader awards circuit to secure a strong Oscar campaign.
Source: Variety
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