“Todd Phillips Reflects on Crafting Music for His Latest Release Joker Folie a Duex: Exclusive Details”
Joker: Folie a Deux premiered in theaters on October 4 and has captivated audiences with its musical format. Director Todd Phillips, in a recent interview with Variety, discussed creating music for the characters of Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.
The filmmaker revealed that the team worked tirelessly to transform the film into a musical masterpiece. Phillips began planning the sequel immediately after the success of the first Joker movie, pondering how to surpass their previous achievements.
Phillips explained, “Most of the music in the movie is really just dialogue… It’s just Arthur not having the words to say what he wants to say, so he sings them instead.”
He also disclosed that he asked Lady Gaga to sing poorly so Phoenix could match her level, resulting in a unique dynamic between the characters. Gaga mentioned that they would spontaneously break into song during conversations.
Discussing the origin of the music in the film, Gaga pondered, “Where does the music come from when no one can hear it but the characters? Neither Arthur nor Lee are professional singers, and they shouldn’t sound like they are.”
In an interview with Vogue, Gaga compared her singing in Joker: Folie a Deux to her role in “A Star is Born,” emphasizing the difference in approach between the two projects.
The movie follows Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn reuniting at Arkham State Hospital, navigating their complex identities and relationship. The synopsis reads, “Struggling with his dual identity, failed comedian Arthur Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn, while incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital.”
Joker: Folie a Deux continues to be a success in theaters.