Lady Gaga Finds Humor in Criticism Surrounding ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’
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Lady Gaga recently shared her candid reaction to the mixed reviews and underwhelming reception of the film ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ The sequel to the acclaimed 2019 movie ‘Joker’ starring Joaquin Phoenix, ‘Folie à Deux’ faced criticism and struggled at the box office upon its release in October 2024.
Expressing her thoughts on the backlash, Gaga revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone that she found the negativity surrounding the film amusing. The talented performer admitted, “I started laughing because it was just getting so unhinged.” Despite the disappointing outcome of the sequel, Gaga maintained a light-hearted perspective on the situation.
In the aftermath of ‘Folie à Deux’s’ lacklustre performance, Lady Gaga reflected on her experience working on the project, expressing a sense of rebellion towards the prevailing criticisms. Sharing her insights, Gaga explained, “There was a ton of negativity around Joker, and I think I was feeling artistically rebellious at the time.”
The film, a continuation of Arthur Fleck’s narrative from the original ‘Joker,’ delves into the aftermath of his murder trial. Featuring a unique blend of musical elements, the sequel portrays Arthur’s journey through his trial, conviction, and eventual return to Arkham State Hospital after a dramatic climax.
Despite the challenging reception of ‘Folie à Deux,’ Lady Gaga emphasised the importance of resilience in the face of criticism. Discussing her reaction to the negative reviews, Gaga admitted, “I wasn’t, like, unfazed. It’s funny, I’m almost nervous to share my reaction, but the truth is, when it first started happening, I started laughing. Because it was just getting so unhinged.”
Throughout the interview, Gaga highlighted her ongoing commitment to her artistic vision, acknowledging that not every project would resonate with audiences as intended. Refusing to be discouraged by setbacks, Gaga affirmed, “To be an artist, you have to be willing for people to sometimes not like it. And you keep going even if something didn’t connect in the way that you intended.”
In a poignant revelation, Lady Gaga shared how she channelled her emotions from the ‘Folie à Deux’ experience into her music video for the song “Disease.” The creative process allowed her to explore deeper themes and grapple with her inner turmoil, leading to a profound understanding of her own healing journey.
As ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ continues to stream on HBO Max, Gaga’s candid reflections serve as a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of an artist dedicated to her craft. Despite the challenges and setbacks, Lady Gaga’s creative journey remains an inspiring narrative of perseverance and artistic exploration.