In a recent Variety cover story, Todd Phillips, the director of “Joker: Folie à Deux,” expressed his intent to craft the sequel with a touch of madness, suggesting that the creative process was driven by chaos.
Phillips’ vision seems to have materialized, thanks in part to Joaquin Phoenix’s unorthodox approach. Phoenix, known for his unpredictable methods, frequently discarded the script, leading to impromptu rewriting sessions with Phillips and co-star Lady Gaga in his trailer.
Gaga shared with Vanity Fair that these script revamps were a liberating experience, often involving complete overhauls of scenes. Phillips corroborated Gaga’s account, describing Phoenix as a persistent force in the creative process.
He noted that Phoenix’s inclination to revisit and revise scenes meant that what initially seemed ready for shooting would evolve dramatically during lengthy brainstorming sessions. Gaga, he said, adeptly navigated both the script changes and her on-screen performance, showing remarkable adaptability.
Phillips also praised Gaga’s commitment, mentioning her collaborations with other prominent figures like Bradley Cooper and Adam Driver, underscoring her ability to match the intensity of her co-stars. In “Joker: Folie à Deux,” Phoenix’s character, Arthur Fleck, faces trial for murder after killing a late-night host. His time at Arkham Asylum leads to a relationship with Gaga’s character, Lee, which influences the trial’s outcome.
Phoenix’s penchant for generating rewrites extends beyond this film. Ridley Scott revealed that Phoenix’s casting in “Napoleon” prompted a complete script overhaul to suit the actor’s preferences, illustrating his influence on the projects he undertakes. As Scott noted, Phoenix’s instinctive approach often leads to substantial improvements in the films he participates in.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” is set to premiere on October 4, distributed by Warner Bros.