According to a Vogue interview, Lady Gaga and director Todd Phillips disclosed that the script for the film Folie a Deux went through significant changes and rewrites, even during the filming process. Lady Gaga, portraying Harleen Quinzel in the DC sequel alongside Joaquin Phoenix, shared that she and Phoenix would frequently convene in Phoenix’s trailer to discuss the script, and at times, they would completely tear it up and commence rewriting. This collaborative and iterative approach to script development was described as a refreshing and empowering process by Gaga.
Todd Phillips, the director of “Joker: Folie à Deux,” highlighted Joaquin Phoenix’s meticulous approach to filmmaking, likening him to “the tunnel at the end of the light.” Phillips emphasized Phoenix’s dedication to perfecting scenes, often leading to extensive discussions and rewrites, showcasing the actor’s commitment to his craft.
Additionally, Phillips praised Lady Gaga for her ability to hold her own both on and off camera. He commended her for investing time and effort in understanding her character, and for her impactful performance during filming.
Despite the mesmerizing performances by Phoenix and Gaga, the review of “Joker: Folie à Deux” returned a 5/10 rating. The review noted that, despite the film’s potential as a musical, a courtroom drama, and a meaningful sequel to the first Joker movie, it ultimately fell short of expectations.
It’s important to note that the Joker films exist outside of James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe, with separate projects such as the upcoming animated series “Creature Commandos” and Matt Reeves’ “The Batman Epic Crime Saga.” Furthermore, Todd Phillips has expressed skepticism about the possibility of creating another film centered around the iconic DC Comics villain following the release of “Joker: Folie à Deux” on October 4th.
