After a screening of Joker: Folie à Deux, a lip-reading AI tool captured an interesting exchange between Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. In the footage, Phoenix was overheard calling the film “horrible,” while Gaga insisted that she “loved it.” This conversation comes amidst mixed reactions to the movie, with its Rotten Tomatoes score sitting at a low 33%. Some fans have even walked out of cinemas due to dissatisfaction with the film, critiquing its pace and story, though others praised the performances.
Director Todd Phillips, who has made it clear that he is finished with the DC Universe after the two Joker films, commented on working with Gaga. He recalled that after sending her half the script, she quickly expressed her excitement about joining the project. However, Phillips has admitted the writing process was slow, which likely contributed to the film’s reception.
— j (@gagagraygaga) October 7, 2024
Many reviews have criticized the film’s direction and the excessive amount of Lady Gaga’s singing. Some viewers said they found the story slow and disjointed, feeling it didn’t live up to the first Joker movie. Despite the negative feedback, others have defended the film, appreciating its depth and the performances by both lead actors.
The mixed reactions to Joker: Folie à Deux illustrate the challenges of following up a highly successful film like the first Joker. Whether or not the film resonates with audiences, Phoenix and Gaga’s work continues to attract significant attention.
