Why Joaquin Phoenix Was Sick Every Day Filming Joker 2

Why Joaquin Phoenix Was Sick Every Day Filming Joker 2

As a seasoned gamer and movie buff with a soft spot for DC comics, I must say that the upcoming “Joker: Folie à Deux” has piqued my interest like nothing else in recent memory. The prospect of seeing Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga collaborate on-screen, under Todd Phillips’ direction, is simply too enticing to ignore.


Working alongside Lady Gaga in the movie “Joker: Folie à Deux” caused Joaquin Phoenix to feel nauseous daily, as reported by director Todd Phillips. This was due to the pressure of keeping up with an Oscar-winning musician and actress like Lady Gaga. It seems they both faced a great deal of anxiety, but they appeared to navigate through it successfully by supporting one another.

According to Phillips, the duo’s supportive partnership played a significant role in keeping them composed during filming. This mutual understanding and guidance ultimately led to their delivering top-notch performances. As he explained to Entertainment Weekly, “They exchanged suggestions for each other’s craft. He offered acting tips since she was new to movies but he’s Joaquin Phoenix; in return, she shared her music expertise because she is Lady Gaga. That’s what filmmaking ought to be about – a massive team effort.

Despite overcoming his bouts of nausea, the movie’s musical sequences demanded thoughtful consideration. Phillips meticulously planned the soundtrack for this film, and it holds a unique significance for Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) and his character counterpart, Harley Quinn, portrayed by Ally/Lee Quinzel (Gaga). As they navigate their cold exterior world, these musical cues reveal the tender emotions that lie within.

The Joker 2’s music serves a special purpose in its story

Why Joaquin Phoenix Was Sick Every Day Filming Joker 2

In “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the soundtrack consists of show tunes, big band numbers, and other melodic pieces with a strong horn influence. These songs, which include versions of tracks originally sung by artists like Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, the Carpenters, and others, were carefully chosen by director Todd Phillips for the film. Phillips explained that these songs symbolize Arthur’s newfound affection for Lee, as many of them were the same tunes Arthur’s mother used to play when he was young. Consequently, it is not surprising that Arthur knows the lyrics to songs like “For Once in My Life.” According to Phillips, he is unsure if the original artists truly felt the emotions they sang about, but when Arthur sings these songs as a man who has never been wanted or needed by another human being until now, the words perfectly capture his feelings.

In simpler terms, Phillips described that there’s a sense of light, beauty, and romance within this character, yet he seems somewhat out of sync with the world. He further explained that this character has an internal music and romance, and when he experiences love for the first time, it might be possible for him to express the music he hears inside. When he encounters someone who gives him attention, why wouldn’t his inner music manifest? His main challenge in the initial movie was a profound lack of affection, apart from childhood traumas.

Is Joker 2 a musical or not?

Why Joaquin Phoenix Was Sick Every Day Filming Joker 2

In essence, “The Joker” movie was rooted in reality, with Arthur’s imaginative bursts largely confined within the gritty streets he danced upon as his clown persona. Interestingly, the musical sequences in “Joker: Folie à Deux,” however, occur exclusively within the character’s hallucinations. This explains, among other things, how and why Arthur and Lee can access the “Tonight Show” set. Employing music in this way within the film aligns well with the meaning of the French term “folie à deux,” which refers to a shared madness or delusion between two people.

Despite his initial reluctance, Todd Phillips appears to be reconsidering whether his upcoming sequel can be categorized as a musical. He had previously expressed reservations about labeling it as such due to his personal feelings towards the genre and its ability to evoke certain emotions. However, in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, he admitted that he faced criticism for denying the movie’s musical nature. Though the film does contain music, Phillips clarified that while it might be considered a musical, it may not elicit the same positive feelings as traditional musicals. He cautioned against misleading expectations, suggesting viewers may not find themselves humming the tunes on their way out of the theater after watching this movie.

Although the follow-up has received a variety of opinions, DC enthusiasts are eager to discover whether watching Arthur’s emotional turmoil and duetting with his new affection (even if it’s just in his imagination) will bring them joy when “Joker: Madness Duets” premieres in cinemas on October 4.

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2024-09-27 23:59