13 Surprising Facts That Change How You View Joker: Folie À Deux

Joker: Folie À Deux has hit theaters, generating buzz and intrigue surrounding its production. Serving as a sequel to the acclaimed 2019 film Joker, this installment sees Joaquin Phoenix reprise his role as the iconic villain, while Lady Gaga steps into the role of Harley Quinn, Joker’s love interest. Directed once again by Todd Phillips, the sequel premiered with high expectations on October 4, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.

 

If you are curious about the movie or have seen it already, here are 13 captivating behind-the-scenes insights about Joker: Folie À Deux.

 

1. The inception of this sequel traced back to a dream Joaquin Phoenix had shortly after filming the original. In his dream, Arthur Fleck, his character, successfully performed on stage, which prompted him to reach out to Phillips about creating a sequel.

2. On set, both Phoenix and Gaga actively reworked portions of the screenplay as filming progressed. This process, led by director Phillips, sometimes extended discussions long into the night, with substantial changes being penned down on napkins.

 

3. One notable contribution from Gaga was a waltz scene she crafted herself, incorporating a live piano player to lend authenticity to her performance.

 

4. To embody her character’s unique voice, Gaga had to intentionally adopt a less polished singing style, distancing herself from her usual vocal techniques.

 

5. Phoenix encouraged Gaga to abandon her signature vibrato, facilitating an authentic and raw portrayal of her character.

 

6. Harry Lawtey, who portrays Harvey Dent, had the surreal experience of seeing Phoenix for the first time during a shooting scene, capturing genuine reactions behind the camera.

 

7. Lawtey was pleasantly surprised to discover fellow actor Ken Leung was also part of the cast. The serendipity fostered a sense of comfort during filming.

 

8. Interestingly, Lawtey’s first spoken lines in the film were directed towards Leung’s character, providing him with a support system on set amidst the intensity of such a notable film.

 

9. In a pivotal moment within the film, Gaga’s character only addresses Joker by his real name, Arthur, once she resolves to move on from him, signaling her journey of self-discovery.

 

10. A particular scene where Gaga’s character kisses a woman as she enters a courthouse was ultimately cut. The decision aimed to create a more impactful moment through visuals rather than dialogue.

 

11. The film explores a new origin for Harvey Dent’s transformation into the infamous supervillain Two-Face, diverging from the traditional narrative seen in other adaptations.

 

12. When it comes to Joker’s appearance during a court scene, he opts not to color his hair green due to prison regulations, emphasizing the constraints of his situation.

 

13. Lastly, Justin Theroux was almost cast in a subplot where he would portray an actor in a fictionalized version of the Joker character, but logistics led to that storyline being sidelined.

 

These insights reveal not just the creativity behind Joker: Folie À Deux but also the collaborative spirit that defined its making. The film continues to provoke discussion and intrigue, testament to its ambitious narrative and dedicated performances.