Anna Daniels
Joaquin Phoenix is known for his dedication to perfecting his roles, and his involvement in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ was no different. Both Lady Gaga and director Todd Phillips revealed in a recent interview with Vanity Fair that Phoenix’s commitment to excellence led to multiple spontaneous script rewrites during the filming process. Phoenix, renowned for his intense work ethic, frequently challenged scenes and advocated for more profound, nuanced dialogue to fully embody the character of Arthur Fleck.
Phoenix’s Script Revision Requests
Gaga mentioned that they often found themselves in Phoenix’s trailer, tearing apart entire sections of the script. She described the process as “liberating,” stating that they would frequently start from scratch. Despite the seeming disorder, this highlights Phoenix’s artistic pursuit—never settling for mediocrity. Phillips added that Phoenix continuously pushes the boundaries, always striving for improvement: “You might think a scene is solid and ready to shoot, but Joaquin will suggest a meeting, and three hours later, you’re rewriting the scene on a napkin.”
Consistent Pattern in Phoenix’s Career
Phoenix has a history of exerting creative control over scripts. His dissatisfaction with the original ‘Joker’ script almost led him to walk away. Similarly, he insisted on Paul Thomas Anderson rewriting for Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ to remain involved. Even with projects like ‘C’mon C’mon,’ Phoenix initially faced script challenges but ultimately persevered.
Impact on ‘Folie à Deux’
Despite the demanding nature of Phoenix’s approach, his dedication is often credited with enhancing the quality of the films he works on. The upcoming musical sequel, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux,’ will see Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn and Phoenix reprising his role as the Joker. While plot details are scarce, the collaborative script revision process involving Phoenix, Gaga, and Phillips undoubtedly enriched the characters’ complexities. Expected to premiere in October 2024, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ promises to be as riveting and unpredictable as Phoenix’s creative process.
