Lady Gaga Shares Insights on Handling Criticism for Joker: Folie à Deux
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Lady Gaga recently opened up about the negative reviews surrounding Joker: Folie à Deux, where she played a significant role alongside Joaquin Phoenix. The film, described as a gritty musical courtroom drama and a sequel to the 2019 Oscar-winning Joker, received a mixed response from both critics and fans after premiering at the Venice Film Festival in September and later hitting theatres in October. Currently holding a 31 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, Joker: Folie à Deux was even highlighted at the 2025 Razzie Awards as one of the “worst” movies of the year, with Gaga herself being singled out in the “worst actress” category.
In an interview with ELLE published on January 28, Lady Gaga shared her perspective on handling criticism, stating, “People sometimes just don’t like some things. It’s that simple.” The multi-talented artist emphasized that as an artist, one must be prepared for the possibility of not resonating with everyone and to persevere even if an artistic creation does not receive the intended response. Gaga acknowledged that navigating the fear of failure can be challenging but is an essential part of the creative process, referring to it as “part of the mayhem.”
Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker: Folie à Deux featured a bold and audacious concept according to Gaga, who commended Phillips for infusing complexity into the sequel and deviating from traditional storytelling norms. The film, now available for streaming on Max, delves into a unique narrative that explores the deep dynamics between the characters portrayed by Phoenix and Gaga. Despite not replicating the immense success of its predecessor, with zero Oscar nominations and lagging global box office revenue of $207 million compared to the original’s over $1 billion earnings, Joker: Folie à Deux remains a significant creative endeavour within the film industry.
Lady Gaga, amidst promoting her upcoming album Mayhem and her involvement in Tim Burton’s Wednesday, remains resilient in the face of critical backlash. Her commentary on the reception of Joker: Folie à Deux sheds light on the challenges artists face in maintaining artistic integrity while also embracing diverse perspectives and reactions from audiences and critics alike. With a career marked by artistic evolution and boundary-pushing creativity, Gaga’s insights serve as a testament to her dedication to the craft and her willingness to explore unconventional and daring projects.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve and audiences seek a diverse range of narratives and experiences, films like Joker: Folie à Deux contribute to the conversation around artistic expression and creative risk-taking. Lady Gaga’s involvement in the project not only highlights her versatility as an artist but also underscores the importance of pushing boundaries and redefining storytelling conventions in cinema. Despite the varied reactions to the film, the exploration of complex themes and characters in Joker: Folie à Deux remains a relevant and thought-provoking addition to the cinematic landscape.
In a landscape where artistic vision and audience reception often collide, Lady Gaga’s resilience and commitment to her craft shine through, inspiring fellow artists and audiences to embrace the complexities of creative expression. As she navigates both acclaim and criticism with grace and determination, Gaga’s contributions to the entertainment industry continue to spark conversations and push boundaries, solidifying her place as a multifaceted and influential figure in the world of cinema and music alike.