The 81st Venice Film Festival reached its pinnacle with the premiere of ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, starring Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn alongside Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur Fleck/Joker. The film received an impressive 11-minute standing ovation, signaling strong audience approval.Lady Gaga’s performance has garnered significant praise from critics. Deadline noted that Gaga ‘is smartly low-key, believably showing affection and connection with Joker,’ while The Hollywood Reporter described her as a ‘compelling live-wire presence’. The film, directed by Todd Phillips, explores the relationship between the Joker and Harley Quinn, incorporating musical elements that have been a point of discussion.On the red carpet, Gaga made a striking appearance in a black Christian Dior Haute Couture gown featuring a plunging neckline and a voluminous skirt. Her look was completed with an elaborate Philip Treacy headpiece, reminiscent of the evil fairy from Sleeping Beauty. Gaga was accompanied by her fiancé Michael Polansky, making their red carpet debut as an engaged couple.In a rare interview with Vogue, Gaga opened up about her relationship with Polansky. She revealed that her mother Cynthia met Polansky first and thought he was ‘perfect for her daughter’. The couple’s engagement was announced in April 2024, with Gaga describing a romantic proposal that followed a day of rock climbing.Behind the scenes, Joaquin Phoenix encouraged Gaga to sing ‘poorly’ for her role as Harley Quinn, asking her to perform without her signature vibrato. Gaga, a 13-time Grammy Award winner, worked to undo her technique to unlock her character’s voice. ‘She felt naked without it,’ Phoenix said of Gaga’s beautiful vibrato.’Joker: Folie à Deux’ is set for international release on October 4, 2024. As the film garners early praise and attention, it stands as a testament to the creative collaboration between Gaga and Phoenix, blending music and drama in this highly anticipated sequel.
Key points
- ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ received an 11-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.
- Lady Gaga’s performance as Harley Quinn has been highly praised by critics.
- Gaga revealed details about her engagement to Michael Polansky in a Vogue interview.
- Joaquin Phoenix encouraged Gaga to sing without her vibrato for her role.
Contradictions👾While Lady Gaga and Todd Phillips have insisted that ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is not a musical, the film incorporates singing and dancing, which has caused confusion among some observers.
