Venice, Italy — Joker: Folie à Deux, a musical psychological thriller directed by Todd Phillips, premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it received a lengthy standing ovation of 10.5 minutes. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in lead roles, with the latter receiving an enthusiastic reception from the audience.
According to ANI, the crowd at the Sala Grande erupted into chants of “Gaga, Gaga, Gaga!” during the ovation. Fans also shouted, “Gaga, we love you!” prompting the singer-actress to blow kisses and express her gratitude. Alongside Phoenix and Phillips, Gaga was congratulated by the ecstatic crowd.
Despite the warm reception at the premiere, early reviews of the film have needed to be more favourable. Hollywood Reporter praised Lady Gaga, calling her a “compelling live-wire presence,” but criticized the film as “dour” and in “desperate need” of more musical interventions from the lead characters.
The Guardian took aim at Joaquin Phoenix’s performance, describing it as “single-note” and adding that while his screen presence is “potent,” it lacks depth.
IndieWire was particularly harsh, calling the film “boring, flat, and such a criminal waste of Lady Gaga that we should demand a public hearing.”
Meanwhile, Variety described the film as an “overly cautious sequel” that tries to be “darkly irreverent” but ultimately feels “clunky” and “earthbound.”
About Joker: Folie à Deux
The first Joker film, released in 2019, was a critical and commercial success. It earned 11 Oscar nominations, with Joaquin Phoenix winning Best Actor and Hildur Guðnadóttir taking home the award for Original Score. It became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time.
In the sequel, Phoenix reprises his role as the iconic Joker, and Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn. The supporting cast includes Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey. At the same time, Zazie Beetz returns as Sophie from the first film. Joker: Folie à Deux is set for release on October 4.
FAQs:
Q: Who stars in Joker: Folie à Deux?
A: The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker and Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. Other cast members include Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz.
Q: How long was the standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival?
A: The film received a standing ovation lasting 10.5 minutes.
Q: What were some of the criticisms of the film?
A: Reviews criticized Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as “single-note” and called the film “dour” and “boring.” IndieWire even suggested it was a “criminal waste of Lady Gaga.”
Q: When will Joker: Folie à Deux be released?
A: The film is scheduled for release on October 4.
Q: How did the first Joker film perform?
A: The first Joker movie was a massive success, earning 11 Oscar nominations and becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film.