The sequel to ‘Joker – 91%’, starring Joaquin Phoenix again and featuring Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, has surprised everyone and everyone. Far from repeating the phenomenon of its predecessor, ‘Joker 2: Folie À Deux – 42%’ has had a box office debut and critical reception that has left Gaga and the team behind the film with mixed feelings.
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What was Lady Gaga’s reaction to the reception that ‘Joker 2: Folie à Deux’ is having at the box office and with critics?
According to Daily Mail, Lady Gaga I didn’t expect the reaction to her performance and the film in general to be so divisive. According to close sources, the singer and actress was “shocked” upon learning of the results at the box office, with $39.5 million collected in the domestic market (United States and Canada) in its first weekend and a worldwide total of $114 million, figures below than expected for a production with a budget of around $200 million.
Gaga’s disappointment was compounded when she saw that the film received the lowest CinemaScore rating in comic book film history, a “D”, well below the “B+” of the first installment. Gaga would have put great effort into the role, hoping that her performance in this role could earn her an Oscar nomination, following the path set by Phoenix in 2019.
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In response to the situation, his team is already working to launch new projects quickly, seeking to mitigate the impact of this adverse reception and give new impetus to his career. Additionally, Gaga is interested in working with Quentin Tarantino on his latest film.
What do critics say about ‘Joker 2: Folie à Deux’?
‘Joker 2: Folie à Deux’ failed to captivate the audience like its predecessor. On platforms such as Tomatazos, the film has an approval percentage of 42%, and on Metacritic it has a score of 45 out of 100, reflecting a mixed to negative reception. Critics have noted that, although Phoenix maintains his screen presence, the narrative and musical tone have been perceived as distracting rather than contributing to the story.
Some media have recognized Lady Gaga’s talent, but regret that her interpretation of Harley Quinn has not been fully utilized, describing her as “magnetic but underused.” Likewise, the change in tone towards a musical was seen as a risk that failed to connect with the public, resulting in an experience that some described as “dated” and “too intent on being subversive.”
Is there still hope for the film to succeed?
Despite its slow start, there is still a chance for ‘Joker 2: Folie à Deux’ to make up ground. The fact that the film generated a 12-minute ovation at the Venice Film Festival suggests that it still has a fan base interested in its artistic proposal. Additionally, some critics and fans have defended the film’s boldness in staying true to a more introspective and less complacent narrative.
The outlook is not easy. With a hefty investment of around $200 million, the film would need to gross approximately $450 million to cover its costs. While many of the fans of the first installment have expressed their disappointment, others have praised the meta-narrative approach of ‘Folie à Deux’, considering that it provides a different perspective on the relationship between the Joker and his alter ego Arthur Fleck, without resorting to elements of fan service or popular nods.
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