Todd Phillips ‘Can’t Say Yes or No’ About Joker 3

After years of attending premieres and press conferences, I must admit that nothing quite compares to the electric atmosphere surrounding Todd Phillips‘s “Joker: Folie à Deux”. The anticipation was palpable as I stood outside the Palazzo del Casinò, feeling the vibrations from Lady Gaga’s imminent arrival. It was like being backstage at one of her concerts, only with more tuxedos and less glitter.

Five years ago, Todd Phillips’s movie “Joker” made a surprise appearance at Venice and ended up winning the Golden Lion unexpectedly, kicking off a successful award season journey that culminated in Joaquin Phoenix receiving the Best Actor Oscar. So, what could possibly follow as an encore?

At the formal Venice press event for “Joker: Folie à Deux”, Phillips explained that the anticipation elevated the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster with greater challenges. He stated, “It’s simpler entering something as the challenger rather than the established leader.” In the initial film, we operated clandestinely – or as secretively as possible for a movie titled “Joker”. No one was aware of our plans. The difficulty in making this one is that you sense the scrutiny.”

From deep within Palazzo del Casinò, those eyes were clearly visible. All week, Venice had been graced by one famous face after another – Angelina first, followed by Nicole, then Brad and George, and later Daniel Craig. Yet, in the moments before the Folie à Deux press conference, an unusual sound echoed outside that I’d never heard before. Was it a demonstration? Suddenly, it dawned on me: Lady Gaga was making her entrance into the building

In a fresh and captivating approach for the upcoming Joker sequel, titled “Folie à Deux,” the creators have opted to transform it into a musical, inviting one of today’s most renowned pop stars to join the cast. At a recent press conference, Lady Gaga graced the stage without needing an introduction. Her fellow actor seemed a bit unsure about her title. “Gaga was quite…,” Phoenix started, before remembering her preferred name. “Stefani,” he amended, “shared that we’ll be singing live.”

Phoenix, often referred to as an actor’s actor, isn’t typically involved with film sequels. Phillips mentioned that they had always joked about making one, but if they were to proceed, it needed to frighten him just like the original did. The idea surfaced in a dream where Phoenix found himself performing as the Joker character on stage. He reached out to Todd (Phillips) because he thought there might be something significant in that dream. However, upon discussing it with Phillips, he realized that there wasn’t a viable project to pursue

However, this sparked the foundation of a concept. Many unforgettable scenes for the character were expressed through dance: contorting in pain after killing three innocents, confidently walking down stairs after accepting his villainous nature. “He’s full of rhythm,” Phillips suggested. Might he perform songs instead?

So, an upcoming musical titled “Joker” is planned, where the character initially known as Arthur Fleck will croon a variety of mid-century tunes. Director Phillips explained that the songs were chosen to evoke music that Arthur might have enjoyed with his mother in their younger years. Initially, it was intended for Joker to sing in the style of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., but Phoenix, the actor portraying Joker, felt that approach didn’t align with Arthur’s character. This realization led to a shift in perspective, and they decided to interpret these standards uniquely instead

In this version of Harley Quinn, Lady Gaga takes on the role. Here, Harley is depicted as an avid fan of The Joker. (Six years after “Lady Gaga,” her press conference badge referred to her by her complete stage name.) “For me,” she explained, “it was about letting go of technique.” Her pop-star skills were no longer relevant. Instead, she now aimed to “forget how to breathe and let the song emerge entirely from the character.”

Before the release of “Folie à Deux”, there were whispers that the film would serve as Phillips’s reaction to the heated debate ignited by the original, with some critics claiming it could provoke violence. However, at the press conference, the director dismissed this notion. “I believe the last movie was portrayed in a thought-provoking manner,” he replied to a questioner who deemed the backlash unwarranted. “This film has no connection whatsoever to that response. Making movies is too complex a process to serve as a reaction to something.”

Phillips’s intention with the album “Folie à Deux” was to create an experience that felt daring and risky, as if they were going all out. After achieving this under intense scrutiny, one might wonder if he had any strategies for increasing the ante again for a potential third “Joker” movie

In his own words, Todd Phillips isn’t expressing what Joaquin might think, but for him personally, the tale of Arthur/Joker seems complete. He can’t commit either way, but it’s not his intention to continue working within that specific realm

Well, it seems that with “Folie à Deux,” Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker might just be hitting the high notes of his grand finale. In the world of stage plays, as I’ve learned, when it’s time for the final act, it’s often the clown who takes center stage. So, here comes the clown, and what a spectacle he’s about to put on!

2024-09-04 22:08

Todd Phillips ‘Can’t Say Yes or No’ About Joker 3

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