The sequel to the 2019 film Joker: Folie à Deux is set to hit theaters this coming month. Director Todd Phillips spoke to Entertainment Weekly ahead of the film’s release.
In the interview, he discussed the film, what the audience can expect from this dark thriller comedy, and also talked about Joaquin Phoenix’s daily ordeal in preparing for the film’s live singing scene with Lady Gaga. Speaking to the media portal, the filmmaker revealed that it was a chore for the lead actor to prepare for the scene every day.
Phillips revealed that in addition to the conflicts, both Gaga and Phoenix also gave each other tips on how to perform better in a particular scene in the film.
The director revealed, “The truth is they gave each other advice. He would give her advice about acting; she’s done movies, but she’s Joaquin Phoenix. He gave her advice about music because she’s Lady Gaga. That’s what movies should be like: a big collaboration.” He further added that the actor’s notes to Gaga weren’t too direct; he would just ask the actress to be a little more generous in the scenes.
Also read: ‘I was like no…’ – Joaquin Phoenix included this suggestion from Lady Gaga for the music in Joker: Folie a Do
However, for the Grammy-winning star, “his notes will be a little more specific because it feels like you’re not hitting the right notes there. It’s different. There’s less room for interpretation,” the director said.
Further in the conversation, Phillips revealed that the director himself chose the songs for Gaga and Phoenix, who play Harley Quinn and Arthur Fleck, respectively.
The filmmaker revealed that putting aside the tone and plot of the film and focusing on just the two characters, he said his story is a romantic one, and so he decided to have the two sing melodious songs in the scenes.
He said, “I don’t know if I think it’s the first time Frank Sinatra has found someone who needs him. But when Arthur sings it, it does. It has a different meaning – and in some ways, it’s more emotional.”
As far as Joker 2 is concerned, the film will see Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role of Arthur Fleck, who won an Academy Award for the role.
This film will be released in theatres on 4th October.
Also read: Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix’s much-awaited film Joker: Folie a Do opens to mixed reviews at Venice Film Festival