Venice Film Festival witnessed an electrifying moment on Wednesday night when Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix received an uproarious 11-minute standing ovation for their performances in Todd Phillips’ musical sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. The applause erupted after the film’s premiere, marking another successful collaboration between Phoenix and Phillips following the 2019 Joker.
A Star-Studded Arrival
Phoenix, who arrived early, graciously engaged with fans, taking selfies and mingling with the crowd. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga caused a frenzy as she walked the carpet to chants of her name. The paparazzi scrambled to capture shots of the star, with some even tripping over themselves in their attempts. One fan, donning pink hair, held up a sign reading, “Gaga I just wanna hold your hand for a while.”
Gaga, who portrays Harley Quinn in the film, had a handler help her navigate the crowd, and she signed autographs for her fans. At one point, as she descended from her balcony seat, the Italian Little Monsters called out, “Gaga, please!” in hopes of getting a photo.
A Star-Studded Audience and Emotional Moments
Attendees of the premiere included CAA CEO Bryan Lourd and Warner Bros. Pictures CEO Mike De Luca, alongside Gaga’s fiancé Michael Polansky, whom she hugged twice during the celebration. Phoenix, however, appeared overwhelmed by the applause and left the theater after nine minutes, though he and Gaga were seen in deep conversation, seemingly discussing the film’s impact.
The Legacy of “Joker” and the Anticipation for the Sequel
Joker: Folie à Deux serves as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2019 Joker, which also premiered at the Venice Film Festival and earned the prestigious Golden Lion Award. The original film went on to win Academy Awards for Best Actor (Phoenix) and Best Original Score. It was nominated for a total of 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, marking the first time a DC Comics film achieved that honor.
What to Expect from “Joker: Folie à Deux”
Set two years after the events of Joker, the sequel introduces a fresh take on Arthur Fleck’s life, now as a patient at Arkham State Hospital. The film’s synopsis reveals a new dynamic, with Arthur falling in love with a music therapist named Lee (played by Lady Gaga). Together, they experience a “musical madness” through their shared delusions, while Arthur’s followers outside start a movement to free him.
With the added intrigue of a musical element, Gaga’s role as Harley Quinn brings both star power and a fresh perspective to the Joker universe. The film also features performances from Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz, rounding out a stellar cast.
A Bold Sequel to a Standalone Film
In an interview with Variety, director Todd Phillips explained the motivations behind making a sequel to a film initially conceived as a standalone project. His philosophy? “Why do something if it doesn’t scare the shit out of you?” Phillips expressed his love for taking risks, which he believes keeps the creative spark alive.
Lady Gaga’s Return to Venice
The Venice Film Festival holds sentimental value for Lady Gaga, who last attended in 2018 with Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born. That film received an eight-minute standing ovation, marking the start of its successful award campaign.
With Joker: Folie à Deux set to release in theaters on October 4, the film has already generated immense excitement, and the overwhelming reception at Venice suggests it will be another cinematic triumph for both Phillips and his iconic leads.
