Why 'Joker' Director Todd Phillips Came Back For A Sequel
Sep 23, 2024
auto_awesome
Todd Phillips, acclaimed for 'Joker,' returns to discuss his latest bold venture featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. The trio delves into the dark musical direction of the sequel, exploring themes of mental health and celebrity culture. Todd shares insights on the creative process and casting Gaga, while Joaquin highlights the emotional depth brought through music. The innovative live performances on set and the psychological interplay between Arthur and Harley Quinn are particularly captivating, reflecting a deeper exploration of identity and creativity.
Todd Phillips emphasizes the use of music in the sequel to illustrate characters' emotions and psychological states rather than traditional upbeat performances.
The film explores the complex relationship between Arthur and Lee, mirroring societal issues of identity and madness, prompting reflection on contemporary themes.
Deep dives
Exploring the Musical Element
The new sequel incorporates musical elements to reflect the internal struggles of the characters. Rather than traditional musical numbers, it uses songs to express the characters' fantasies and emotions, creating an inner monologue through music and dance. This choice enhances the storytelling by depicting the characters' psychological states rather than providing typical upbeat performances. The director emphasizes that the music is often reminiscent of what the characters might hear in their own heads, linking back to their experiences and dreams.
Character Connections and Shared Delusions
The sequel delves into the profound connection between the characters of Arthur and Lee, exploring their shared delusions and mutual influence on each other's identities. This relationship draws parallels to the current sociopolitical climate, suggesting that many societal issues stem from a collective madness. Comparisons to real-world figures, like Donald Trump, highlight how identity and persona can blur in the public eye, reflecting a culture that often elevates sensationalism. This intertwining of character themes with societal observations underpins the narrative and invites deeper reflection from the audience.
The Complexity of Joaquin Phoenix's Performance
Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Arthur Fleck continues to evolve, showcasing a range of emotions shaped by recent experiences and inner turmoil. His character grapples with the repercussions of past actions while discovering love, adding layers of vulnerability to his performance. This complexity is further enhanced by the musical format, allowing Phoenix to express emotional depth through song, bridging the character's struggles with moments of connection. The director notes that working with Phoenix involves a dynamic process of collaboration, where they explore new angles for scenes together.
Lady Gaga's Role and Duality
Lady Gaga's character, Lee Quinzel, presents a unique casting choice that resonates with themes of persona and identity. Her portrayal intertwines her own experiences with identity in the music industry and the character's emotional journey, adding depth to the film. The director highlights the importance of Gaga's ability to embody vulnerability while also being a robust performer, ensuring authenticity in her character's connection with Arthur. This duality enriches the narrative, creating a reflection on how personal experiences shape performance and identity.
After his 2019 hit Joker, Todd Phillips knew he wanted to do more with the character. Joker: Folie à Deux picks up two years after the original, and features singing by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. The director spoke with Terry Gross about his collaboration with Phoenix, how he got into filmmaking, and casting Gaga.