Recently, a video featuring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix has captured the internet’s attention, showcasing their somewhat uncomfortable reaction when asked about their new film, Joker: Folie à Deux.
This moment comes at a time when the highly anticipated sequel is facing a wave of criticism, which only adds to the intrigue of their candid exchange.
A Mixed Reception for the Sequel
The sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Joker was released last Friday, but instead of the acclaim its predecessor received, it has been met with harsh criticism from both audiences and critics.
As people are weighing in on the film’s disappointing performance, a clip from an interview with Good Morning Britain last week has gone viral.
When asked if the film met their expectations, both Gaga and Phoenix exchanged looks and smiles, but remained silent for a few seconds, creating an awkward pause that caught viewers’ attention.
In an attempt to break the tension, Gaga playfully handed a fake microphone to Phoenix, urging him to share his thoughts.
“It’s so hard to talk about, but I think we feel like we achieved what we set out to do,” he responded, keeping his remarks rather vague.
The clip quickly circulated on social media, garnering over 437,000 views as fans interpreted their initial silence as a sign of disapproval regarding the film.
Social Media Backlash
The backlash against Joker: Folie à Deux has been relentless since its premiere.
Many viewers have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction, labeling the film as boring or lacking in plot.
The final scene, in particular, has drawn sharp criticism.
In a shocking twist, Arthur Fleck, played by Phoenix, is brutally killed by another inmate, raising questions about the true identity of the Joker.
This twist left many fans frustrated, feeling that the character they had followed throughout the two films was ultimately a victim of an unexpected plot device.
“That ending? It’s so bad that not only does it ruin Joker 2, but it also tarnishes the first Joker for the audience,” one user tweeted.
Others expressed similar sentiments, stating things like, “The ending was pathetic” and “What do you mean no Joker?”
The consensus on social media is clear: many feel let down by how the story concluded.
Comparing the Two Films
Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker: Folie à Deux is a musical sequel to the original Joker, which grossed over $1 billion and earned 11 Oscar nominations, winning two.
In stark contrast, the sequel’s debut was underwhelming, with only $40 million in its opening weekend and a low Rotten Tomatoes score of 33%.
Critics have remarked on the film’s inability to capture the essence of the first, with one review stating that it “undoes much of the goodwill from its predecessor,” while another called it “a disjointed mess and a waste of time.”
While some praised the film’s production design, the overall sentiment remains that Joker: Folie à Deux has not lived up to its predecessor’s legacy.
What Lies Ahead?
As the dust settles on this viral moment and the film’s lukewarm reception, fans are left wondering what the future holds for this franchise.
With strong reactions from both the stars and viewers, the journey of the Joker may take some unexpected turns as discussions continue online.