Venice, Italy – In one of the most anticipated cinematic moments of the year, Joker: Folie à Deux, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, receiving an extraordinary 11-minute standing ovation. The psychological thriller-musical, directed by Todd Phillips, left the audience spellbound, signaling that this follow-up to the 2019 Joker is a serious contender for awards season.
The film, which sees Phoenix reprise his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck (aka Joker) and introduces Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, delves deeper into the twisted psyche of the iconic Batman villain. Early reactions from critics have already hailed Joker: Folie à Deux as a masterclass in performance, blending the haunting nature of the first film with a bold, musical twist that redefines the comic book genre.
As the credits rolled at the Sala Grande theater, the audience erupted into applause, maintaining the emotional momentum for over 11 minutes. Both Phoenix and Gaga, known for their transformative performances, received particular praise for their electrifying chemistry and depth in portraying their characters’ descent into madness. Todd Phillips, along with the film’s cast and crew, appeared visibly moved by the audience’s overwhelming response.
For Gaga, this marks a stunning return to the screen following her critically acclaimed role in A Star Is Born (2018), while Phoenix once again immerses himself fully in the role that won him the Academy Award. The pair’s performances were described as “mesmerizing” and “unforgettable,” with many attendees noting the film’s raw, emotional power.
A New Chapter in Gotham’s Dark Tale
Joker: Folie à Deux takes place in the aftermath of the first film, with Gotham City descending further into chaos. While the Joker’s influence spreads, Harley Quinn, portrayed by Lady Gaga, emerges as a key figure in his life. The film’s blend of psychological drama, musical elements, and dark humor sets it apart from traditional superhero fare.
Phillips has called the film a “musical fever dream,” blending high-stakes drama with song-and-dance sequences that reflect the characters’ distorted minds. The use of music is being hailed as innovative, adding a new layer to the dark, gritty atmosphere established in the first film.
Oscar Buzz Begins Early
With the standing ovation fresh in the minds of Venice attendees, the buzz surrounding the film has only intensified. Phoenix and Gaga are already being touted as early favorites for Best Actor and Best Actress nods at the Academy Awards. The film’s bold stylistic choices and genre-defying approach have drawn comparisons to classics like A Clockwork Orange and Cabaret.
As Venice continues its tradition of launching major Oscar contenders, Joker: Folie à Deux has firmly cemented itself as a frontrunner. Critics are already describing the film as a “cinematic masterpiece” that could redefine how audiences view both the Joker character and the superhero genre as a whole.
With an official release date slated for later this year, audiences worldwide are eager to witness the groundbreaking performances that left Venice Festival-goers on their feet, applauding for over 11 minutes straight.
