LOS ANGELES − Lady Gaga shared her creative inspiration for a dark love story centered around the Joker while traveling through Montana in late 2022 with her boyfriend, Michael Polansky. Polansky, a San Francisco entrepreneur, is not the Joker but Gaga, 38, proudly shows off her large diamond engagement ring during the interview. The trip through Wyoming and the Teton Range proved significant for her role as Harley Quinn, the notorious love interest of Joaquin Phoenix’s character in the eagerly awaited sequel to 2019’s “Joker.”
“Michael and I were driving through some of the world’s most stunning mountains,” Gaga reflected. “I thought, ‘Can you believe this woman tells the Joker, ‘We’re going to build a mountain together’? I truly believe she thinks that. It’s pure fantasy.’”
“Joker: Folie à Deux,” set to hit theaters, presents a twisted love story and a unique musical interpretation of the supervillain genre, featuring two of Hollywood’s most compelling actors. Unlike conventional comic book narratives, this film does not involve Batman or traditional robberies.
Phoenix and director Todd Phillips had long considered a sequel after the first film garnered $1 billion worldwide and received 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Phoenix. But Phoenix emphasized that this sequel would not follow the expected path.
“We didn’t want a direct continuation of the first film where he becomes the Joker and starts robbing banks,” he said. “That’s not what this story is about.”
Instead, they explored a relationship dynamic, questioning the implications of loving someone based on their public persona. Florence Pugh described Arthur as a character who maintains a higher plane of existence even while imprisoned.
Set two years later, “Folie à Deux” portrays Arthur as disenchanted with his infamous Joker identity after achieving mass fame. Phoenix drew parallels to rock icons like KISS, contemplating what it’s like to age out of a larger-than-life persona.
The film takes viewers through Arthur’s experience in Arkham State Hospital, where routine medications and the oppressive surveillance of guards have diminished his spirit. Phoenix noted that his character appeared thinner due to physical changes made for the role.
Filming commenced with Arthur meeting Lee Quinzel, now played by Gaga, who was seen as the perfect choice when the film shifted towards a musical format, reflecting on Arthur’s previous dance scenes.
Director Phillips remarked that shooting with such celebrated artists brought intense media scrutiny and heightened fan expectations, contrasting the original film’s low profile.
Gaga introduced a new scene prompted by her trip, incorporating the song “Gonna Build a Mountain,” which will feature on her upcoming “Harlequin” album. The scene begins with a homage to classic dance duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers but soon devolves into chaos, representing the couple’s fractured relationship.
The sequel culminates in a high-profile trial for the Joker, allowing Arthur to return to his wise-cracking, painted persona, encouraged by a transformed Harley Quinn. This marks a departure from typical comic book narratives, as both lead characters engage in an ambitious song-and-dance routine.
Gaga showcased her vocal talent while ensuring that her character’s singing appeared unpolished. Phoenix, who has musical training, underwent extensive preparations for the dance sequences. Phillips assured fans that all performers fully executed their routines without digital enhancements.
The tap dance number alone required months of rigorous training, but both actors thrived under the creative pressure. During rehearsals, Phoenix hesitated to attempt complex moves due to fear of injury, but ultimately found his stride during filming, inspired by Gaga’s dynamic performance.