Fresh Air Why 'Joker' Director Todd Phillips Came Back For A Sequel
Sep 23, 2024
Todd Phillips, the visionary director behind the Joker films, discusses the creative journey of crafting the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. He dives into the emotional weight of Joaquin Phoenix's musical performance and reveals how Lady Gaga's casting adds depth to the narrative. Exploring themes of identity and societal perception, he reflects on the unique interplay between Arthur Fleck and his alter ego. Phillips also shares insights into his filmmaking influences and the challenges of balancing darkness with the potential for lighter narratives in the future.
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Shared Delusions
- The new Joker film explores shared delusions, mirroring current societal trends.
- It connects to the corruption of entertainment and how everything becomes a spectacle.
Music as Inner Monologue
- The film uses music as the characters' inner monologues and fantasies.
- This approach reflects how people often live in their favorite songs.
Broadway/Cabaret Joker
- Phillips and Phoenix considered a Broadway or cabaret version of Joker 2.
- This stemmed from their desire to continue exploring Arthur's story.