Todd Phillips’ musical psychological thriller Joker: Folie à Deux received a 10.5-minute standing ovation at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Director Phillips, alongside stars Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, was greeted with cheers and chants of “Ga-ga, Ga-ga!” from the crowd at the Sala Grande theatre.

This marks Phillips’ return to the festival, where the original Joker won the Golden Lion five years ago. That film was a major success, grossing over $1 billion and earning 11 Oscar nominations, with Phoenix winning Best Actor. In the sequel, Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck (Joker), while Lady Gaga joins as Harley Quinn.

Joker: Folie à Deux is a musical, with Gaga portraying Lee, a patient at Arkham State Hospital, where Arthur is imprisoned. The two characters develop a romantic relationship through music therapy. The film also features Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey, with Zazie Beetz returning as Sophie from the first film.

Phillips admitted feeling “more nervous” about the sequel, saying, “It’s a lot easier to come into something as an insurgent than it is as the incumbent.” Both Phillips and Phoenix aimed to make the sequel as bold and unexpected as the original.

Gaga described working with Phoenix as a unique experience, calling it “a breeze.” Phoenix, who underwent significant weight loss for the role, hinted that this might be the last time he undergoes such a transformation, stating, “I’m now 49; I probably shouldn’t do this again.”

The sequel is highly anticipated, building on the immense success of the original film.

(ANI)