The long-awaited film “Joker: Delirium for Two ” had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival 2024 this Wednesday (4). Despite the expectation of the feature film starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga reactions to the new film have been mixed.
While some outlets praised some of the musical sequences, other journalists described it as “boring” and a “real waste of Lady Gaga “.
Following the 2019 film, Joaquin Phoenix resumes the role of Arthur Fleck who is now awaiting trial for crimes committed as the Joker. Lady Gaga, in turn, takes on the role of Harley Quinn the character’s girlfriend in the comics and most recently seen in the movies played by Margot Robbie in the “Suicide Squad” films.
See below what the international press said about “Joker: Delirium for Two”:
- Deadline
The portal praised the film’s production values, highlighting the sound aspect. The soundtrack by Hildur Guðnadóttir which won an Oscar for the first film in 2020, “hits all the right notes again.”
Additionally, the portal notes that the production reinvents the genre. “With music, dance, comedy, darkness, animation, drama, violence and more, this is a musical like no other.”
- IndieWire
Less complimentary, the site points out that the production is “boring, unfunny and a real waste of Lady Gaga’s talent”. “An excruciatingly — perhaps even deliberately — boring sequence that does everything in its power not to entertain you”, it criticizes.
- The Independent
One of the largest media outlets in the United Kingdom, the newspaper praises the performances of Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix. “Phoenix’s performance remains touching and powerful (…) Gaga plays Harley with a mix of cruelty and magnetism.” In addition, the review highlights that the sequel is “as dark and daring as the original”.
- The Guardian
Another major English outlet, The Guardian, praises the sequel with reservations. “There’s a great supporting cast and an impressive first act,” it highlights. However, according to the website, the production seems “claustrophobic and repetitive.” “There’s a real spark when Joker and Harley meet (…) But the film ends up feeling stagnant.”
- Variety
Variety also expressed reservations about the new film. Although the publication praised the production as a musical, the sequel is considered “a step back” in relation to the impact of the first film.
“Joker 2”: Phoenix and director considered taking the story to Broadway
This content was originally published in See the first reactions to “Joker: Delirium for Two” at the Venice Film Festival on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
