Lady Gaga put on a loved-up display with her fiancé Michael Polansky as she wowed at the Venice Film Festival premiere of her new film Joker: Folie à Deux on Wednesday night.
The singer, 38, who stars as Harley Quinn in the upcoming thriller, wore a dramatic black gown and headdress as she joined Joaquin Phoenix and his sister Rain at the screening.
She looked stunning in the plunging dress which featured a velvet corset-style top which then flowed into a dramatic puffy skirt.
The look was completed with an intricate lace headdress, huge diamond earrings and a bold red lip - while she wore her bright blonde tresses in a neat bun.
She gazed adoringly at Michael as she flashed her enormous 8 carat engagement ring on the star-studded red carpet.
Lady Gaga put on a loved-up display with her fiancé Michael Polansky as she wowed at the Venice Film Festival Joker: Folie à Deux premiere on Wednesday night
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Her gigantic diamond engagement ring was evident as she posed for photos on the red carpet at the event in coastal Italy
The singer, 38, who stars as Harley Quinn in the upcoming thriller, wore a dramatic black gown and headdress as she joined Joaquin Phoenix and his sister Rain at the screening
Folie à Deux will see Joaquin Phoenix, 49, reprise his role as Arthur Fleck AKA Joker and he arrived to the premiere with his glamorous sister Rain
Michael, a tech entrepreneur, looked smart in a black suit, crisp white shirt and bow tie.
Folie à Deux will see Joaquin, 49, reprise his role as Arthur Fleck AKA Joker and he arrived to the premiere with his glamorous sister Rain.
She looked great in a brown velvet gown and donned stylish shades as she posed with her brother.
It is the much-anticipated follow-up to 2019's Academy Award-winning Joker, which earned more than $1 billion at the global box office and remains the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.
Set for release on October 4, the second instalment finds Arthur Fleck institutionalised at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker.
'While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that's always been inside him,' a press release shared.
Lady Gaga has been supported by her fiancé Michael in the lead up to the thriller's premiere.
The couple was first romantically linked around New Year's Eve 2019 and later went Instagram official in early 2020.
The gown featured a structured skirt that looked rather heavy to lift up as she made her way along the red carpet
She commanded attention in the incredible black lace headdress as she strutted her stuff on the red carpet
She looked phenomenal in the black dress as she blew a kiss to the crowds
They were the epitome of loved-up as they graced the red carpet together
She looked stunning in the plunging dress which featured a velvet corset-style top which then flowed into a dramatic puffy skirt
The look was completed with an intricate lace headdress, huge diamond earrings and a bold red lip
Michael, a tech entrepreneur, looked smart in a black suit, crisp white shirt and bow tie on the red carpet
It is the much-anticipated follow-up to 2019's Academy Award-winning Joker, which earned more than $1 billion at the global box office and remains the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time
Set for release on October 4, the second instalment finds Arthur Fleck institutionalised at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker
'While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that's always been inside him,' a press release shared
Lady Gaga has been supported by her fiancé Michael in the lead up to the thriller's premiere
The couple was first romantically linked around New Year's Eve 2019 and later went Instagram official in early 2020
They gave a wave as they arrived on a water taxi
She headed off the boat carrying her heavy skirt and wandered up the path to the premiere
Polansky is a 2006 graduate of Harvard University and runs Napster founder Sean Parker's Parker Group
more videos
1
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3
Watch video 'Stop, stop!' Roadie tries to calm Farrell after swing at Navarro
Watch video Watch Emily Gold and Los Osos HS audition for America's Got Talent
Watch video Selena Gomez makes a 'childless cat lady' joke at 2024 Emmys
Watch video Tito Jackson performs in Germany FIVE days before his passing
Watch video Jodie Foster shouts out wife and children during Emmys speech
Watch video Plane Jane looks unrecognizable in red at the 2024 Emmy Awards
Watch video 'The Traitors' wins Emmy Award for doomovie Reality Competition Series
Watch video Bianca Censori and sister Angelina flaunt bare assets at Kanye's party
Watch video Kate Hudson and Zooey Deschanel run into each other while out
Watch video Bella Hadid gives followers a peak into her morning routine
Watch video The worst-dressed stars on the 2024 Emmy Awards red carpet
Watch video Meryl Streep and Martin Short spark rumors at the 2024 Emmys
Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga in a scene from Joker: Folie à Deux
Her makeup was flawless as always and she opted for a bold red lip
The detail in the headdress was incredible
Throughout their years dating, Gaga and Polansky have attended the Super Bowl, the BAFTAs, and the Critics Choice Awards together
Wedding plans for the couple are underway and their legal plan is being negotiated. Gaga is reportedly seeking a $900 million prenup before she walks down the aisle
A source close to the couple told In Touch that 'there are a lot of assets on both sides, and a prenup will just make everything clear'
She turned heads in the incredible, dramatic black gown
It showed off her back inkings too
They looked as in love as ever
Her intricate arm tattoos were visible too
The back featured delicate straps and flaunted her toned figure
The gown featured a daring, plunging neckline
Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga and director Todd Phillips attend the premiere
Joaquin and his sister Rain attend the red carpet extravaganza together on Wednesday evening
He wore a smart black suit and shades
He looked in great spirits on the red carpet
Polansky is a 2006 graduate of Harvard University and runs Napster founder Sean Parker's Parker Group.
Throughout their years dating, Gaga and Polansky have attended the Super Bowl, the BAFTAs, and the Critics Choice Awards together.
Wedding plans for the couple are underway and their legal plan is being negotiated.
Gaga is reportedly seeking a $900 million prenup before she walks down the aisle.
And Polansky, who has a $600 million net worth as head of The Parker Foundation, is on board.
A source close to the couple told In Touch that 'there are a lot of assets on both sides, and a prenup will just make everything clear.'
Gaga 'is worth $900 million, so of course there needs to be a prenup in place,' the insider said. 'And Michael understands that. He's not resisting it.'
Also in Venice for the Joker premiere, Iris Law looked every inch the red carpet siren in a leggy blue velvet dress
Iris oozed confidence as she hit the red carpet at the Joker: Folie à Deux premiere during Venice Film Festival on Wednesday
The model, 23, showcased her incredible figure in a teal velvet gown with a racy cut-out detail and a daring thigh-high split
Iris posed up a storm in front of a sea of cameras
The backless gown showed off her sun-kissed skin
She flashed her dazzling white smile at the event
The 81st Venice International Film Festival is organised by La Biennale di Venezia and will be held on the Lido di Venezia from 28 August to 7 September 2024
Jasmine Sanders, 33, meanwhile opted for a black lace number which showed off her toned figure
The model and influencer left little to the imagination in the sheer number
Lady Gaga was seen signing autographs for the many fans at the premiere
She looked incredible in the dramatic black gown
She put on a very loved-up display with her partner
Her hair was styled to perfection in a slick up do
She beamed a huge smile as she arrived on the red carpet
In addition to her huge ring she wore a stunning diamond necklace
Venice Film Festival is in its second week now and will end on September 7 after a series of incredible premieres
She looked out at the cameras from behind her lace headdress
She posed with her co-star and the director
The pair are set to marry
Her makeup was flawless as usual as she greeted onlookers at the Venice premiere of her new film on Wednesday evening
She surveyed the crowds of cameras
All eyes were on her for the big night
She looked delighted as she roamed the red carpet for the huge premiere
Joaquin wore orange-tinted shades on the red carpet as he greeted fans with a friendly wave
Margherita Buy attends the premiere in a silk black dress
TV personality Michela Persico wore a leggy black dress and strappy heels
She climbed out of the boat to head to the premiere
She opted for a natural light pink manicure
The dress was structurally impressive
And put their arms around one another
She wore her blonde tresses slicked back
They gave each other the look of love
The dress had quite the dramatic effect
Also in Venice for the Joker premiere, Iris Law looked every inch the red carpet siren in a leggy blue velvet dress and Jimmy Choo heels.
The model, 23, opted for a thigh-split and cut-out gown as she made sure to flash plenty of skin. Jasmine Sanders meanwhile opted for a black lace number which showed off her toned figure.
The 81st annual Venice Film Festival is in its second week now and will end on September 7 after a series of incredible premieres.
Audacious, different, bold and brilliant! Joker: Folie a Deux is a punchline five years in the making, and boy is it worth the wait, writes BRIAN VINER
Five years have passed since the triumphant opening of Joker at the Venice Film Festival. I still vividly remember reeling out of a morning screening, dazzled less by the unforgiving glare of the Venetian sun than by the movie we'd just been shown.
Five years have passed since the triumphant opening of Joker at the Venice Film Festival. I still vividly remember reeling out of a morning screening, dazzled less by the unforgiving glare of the Venetian sun than by the movie we'd just been shown.
Last night, here in Venice, came the world premiere of the sequel, Joker: Folie a Deux The director is again Todd Phillips, with Joaquin Phoenix once more in the title role, this time joined by Lady Gaga as what I suppose we must call the love interest, although that would undervalue her wonderful performance.
The film is audaciously different in style from the original, not quite as electrifying, but bold and brilliant all the same.
It begins with a kind of sinister jauntiness with a Joker animation in the style of a Tom & Jerry cartoon, to show that since the events of the first movie, Arthur Fleck along with his murderous alter ego has become a cultural phenomenon in Gotham City. There has even been a TV movie about him.
Joaquin Phoenix is once more in the title role, this time joined by Lady Gaga as what I suppose we must call the love interest, although that would undervalue her wonderful performance
The film is audaciously different in style from the original, not quite as electrifying, but bold and brilliant all the same
Joker: Folie a Deux is released on October 4, 2024 and will premiere at the 81st annual Venice Film Festival
But Arthur is behind bars, waiting to see whether he will be judged sane enough to stand trial for murder, and in the meantime enjoying his celebrity status both with fellow prisoners and even the warders, one of whom, a sadistic Irishman played by Brendan Gleeson, feeds him cigarettes in return for jokes.
Lady Gaga plays Lee, a fellow inmate on her way, we suppose, to becoming Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn. The pair hit it off at a music therapy class, and are soon mutually smitten, but Lee makes it clear that she loves the dangerously charismatic Joker, ‘clown prince of crime', not the gloomily introspective Arthur.
Indeed, identity confusion is the theme of this film, which delves even deeper than the original into schizophrenia and other types of mental illness.
It's been said that Folie a Deux is a musical. It's not, but music looms large as an expression of Arthur and Lee's burgeoning love for one another. It is while watching Vincente Minnelli's 1953 classic The Band Wagon that Lee, who claims to have been imprisoned for arson, sets fire to their prison wing.
The ensuing chaos provides an excellent opportunity to escape, yet Phillips and his co-writer Scott Silver toy with our expectations throughout; each time we anticipate which way the narrative is going to go, it confounds us by wheeling off in another direction.
The music is a constant, though, with Lady Gaga giving her interpretation of lovely old Burt Bacharach and even Motown numbers, and Phoenix more than holding his own. There are also a couple of swooning dance routines that make Arthur and Lee look like psychotic versions of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in La La Land.
Eventually, after Arthur's high-profile TV appearance with a smug interviewer played by Steve Coogan, it is time for the trial, with all of Gotham gripped by the subject of multiple personality disorder.
Is Arthur the defendant accused of five murders, or is it Joker? His kindly lawyer (Catherine Keener) wants to make clear it is Arthur; Lee just as urgently wants him to identify as Joker.
Lady Gaga plays Lee, a fellow inmate on her way, we suppose, to becoming Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn
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Watch video Jodie Foster shouts out wife and children during Emmys speech
Watch video Plane Jane looks unrecognizable in red at the 2024 Emmy Awards
Watch video 'The Traitors' wins Emmy Award for Reality Competition Series
Watch video Bianca Censori and sister Angelina flaunt bare assets at Kanye's party
Watch video Kate Hudson and Zooey Deschanel run into each other while out
Watch video Bella Hadid gives followers a peak into her morning routine
Watch video The worst-dressed stars on the 2024 Emmy Awards red carpet
Watch video Meryl Streep and Martin Short spark rumors at the 2024 Emmys
For those cinema-goers who consider Joker: Folie a Deux to be just another unnecessary Batman spin-off, you should maybe think again
All this is compellingly directed by Phillips, and superbly acted by Phoenix especially, in a role for which he seems custom-made, but by Gaga too. We've known since A Star is Born in 2018 that she can act, but she really is terrific in a bad-girl role. They'd have loved her at St Trinians.
As for those cinema-goers who consider Joker: Folie a Deux to be just another unnecessary Batman spin-off, you should maybe think again.
This might not quite be in the top rank of films about mental illness, alongside all-time greats such as Psycho and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. But it's not too far off.
Joker: Folie a Deux opens in the UK on October 4, 2024.
Venice Film FestivalLady GagaJoaquin Phoenix
The singer, 38, who stars as Harley Quinn in the upcoming thriller, wore a dramatic black gown and headdress as she joined Joaquin Phoenix and his sister Rain at the screening.
She looked stunning in the plunging dress which featured a velvet corset-style top which then flowed into a dramatic puffy skirt.
The look was completed with an intricate lace headdress, huge diamond earrings and a bold red lip - while she wore her bright blonde tresses in a neat bun.
She gazed adoringly at Michael as she flashed her enormous 8 carat engagement ring on the star-studded red carpet.
Lady Gaga put on a loved-up display with her fiancé Michael Polansky as she wowed at the Venice Film Festival Joker: Folie à Deux premiere on Wednesday night
more videos
1
2
3
Watch video 'Stop, stop!' Roadie tries to calm Farrell after swing at Navarro
Watch video Watch Emily Gold and Los Osos HS audition for America's Got Talent
Watch video Selena Gomez makes a 'childless cat lady' joke at 2024 Emmys
Watch video Tito Jackson performs in Germany FIVE days before his passing
Watch video Jodie Foster shouts out wife and children during Emmys speech
Watch video Plane Jane looks unrecognizable in red at the 2024 Emmy Awards
Watch video 'The Traitors' wins Emmy Award for Reality Competition Series
Watch video Bianca Censori and sister Angelina flaunt bare assets at Kanye's party
Watch video Kate Hudson and Zooey Deschanel run into each other while out
Watch video Bella Hadid gives followers a peak into her morning routine
Watch video The worst-dressed stars on the 2024 Emmy Awards red carpet
Watch video Meryl Streep and Martin Short spark rumors at the 2024 Emmys
Her gigantic diamond engagement ring was evident as she posed for photos on the red carpet at the event in coastal Italy
The singer, 38, who stars as Harley Quinn in the upcoming thriller, wore a dramatic black gown and headdress as she joined Joaquin Phoenix and his sister Rain at the screening
Folie à Deux will see Joaquin Phoenix, 49, reprise his role as Arthur Fleck AKA Joker and he arrived to the premiere with his glamorous sister Rain
Michael, a tech entrepreneur, looked smart in a black suit, crisp white shirt and bow tie.
Folie à Deux will see Joaquin, 49, reprise his role as Arthur Fleck AKA Joker and he arrived to the premiere with his glamorous sister Rain.
She looked great in a brown velvet gown and donned stylish shades as she posed with her brother.
It is the much-anticipated follow-up to 2019's Academy Award-winning Joker, which earned more than $1 billion at the global box office and remains the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.
Set for release on October 4, the second instalment finds Arthur Fleck institutionalised at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker.
'While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that's always been inside him,' a press release shared.
Lady Gaga has been supported by her fiancé Michael in the lead up to the thriller's premiere.
The couple was first romantically linked around New Year's Eve 2019 and later went Instagram official in early 2020.
The gown featured a structured skirt that looked rather heavy to lift up as she made her way along the red carpet
She commanded attention in the incredible black lace headdress as she strutted her stuff on the red carpet
She looked phenomenal in the black dress as she blew a kiss to the crowds
They were the epitome of loved-up as they graced the red carpet together
She looked stunning in the plunging dress which featured a velvet corset-style top which then flowed into a dramatic puffy skirt
The look was completed with an intricate lace headdress, huge diamond earrings and a bold red lip
Michael, a tech entrepreneur, looked smart in a black suit, crisp white shirt and bow tie on the red carpet
It is the much-anticipated follow-up to 2019's Academy Award-winning Joker, which earned more than $1 billion at the global box office and remains the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time
Set for release on October 4, the second instalment finds Arthur Fleck institutionalised at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker
'While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that's always been inside him,' a press release shared
Lady Gaga has been supported by her fiancé Michael in the lead up to the thriller's premiere
The couple was first romantically linked around New Year's Eve 2019 and later went Instagram official in early 2020
They gave a wave as they arrived on a water taxi
She headed off the boat carrying her heavy skirt and wandered up the path to the premiere
Polansky is a 2006 graduate of Harvard University and runs Napster founder Sean Parker's Parker Group
more videos
1
2
3
Watch video 'Stop, stop!' Roadie tries to calm Farrell after swing at Navarro
Watch video Watch Emily Gold and Los Osos HS audition for America's Got Talent
Watch video Selena Gomez makes a 'childless cat lady' joke at 2024 Emmys
Watch video Tito Jackson performs in Germany FIVE days before his passing
Watch video Jodie Foster shouts out wife and children during Emmys speech
Watch video Plane Jane looks unrecognizable in red at the 2024 Emmy Awards
Watch video 'The Traitors' wins Emmy Award for doomovie Reality Competition Series
Watch video Bianca Censori and sister Angelina flaunt bare assets at Kanye's party
Watch video Kate Hudson and Zooey Deschanel run into each other while out
Watch video Bella Hadid gives followers a peak into her morning routine
Watch video The worst-dressed stars on the 2024 Emmy Awards red carpet
Watch video Meryl Streep and Martin Short spark rumors at the 2024 Emmys
Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga in a scene from Joker: Folie à Deux
Her makeup was flawless as always and she opted for a bold red lip
The detail in the headdress was incredible
Throughout their years dating, Gaga and Polansky have attended the Super Bowl, the BAFTAs, and the Critics Choice Awards together
Wedding plans for the couple are underway and their legal plan is being negotiated. Gaga is reportedly seeking a $900 million prenup before she walks down the aisle
A source close to the couple told In Touch that 'there are a lot of assets on both sides, and a prenup will just make everything clear'
She turned heads in the incredible, dramatic black gown
It showed off her back inkings too
They looked as in love as ever
Her intricate arm tattoos were visible too
The back featured delicate straps and flaunted her toned figure
The gown featured a daring, plunging neckline
Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga and director Todd Phillips attend the premiere
Joaquin and his sister Rain attend the red carpet extravaganza together on Wednesday evening
He wore a smart black suit and shades
He looked in great spirits on the red carpet
Polansky is a 2006 graduate of Harvard University and runs Napster founder Sean Parker's Parker Group.
Throughout their years dating, Gaga and Polansky have attended the Super Bowl, the BAFTAs, and the Critics Choice Awards together.
Wedding plans for the couple are underway and their legal plan is being negotiated.
Gaga is reportedly seeking a $900 million prenup before she walks down the aisle.
And Polansky, who has a $600 million net worth as head of The Parker Foundation, is on board.
A source close to the couple told In Touch that 'there are a lot of assets on both sides, and a prenup will just make everything clear.'
Gaga 'is worth $900 million, so of course there needs to be a prenup in place,' the insider said. 'And Michael understands that. He's not resisting it.'
Also in Venice for the Joker premiere, Iris Law looked every inch the red carpet siren in a leggy blue velvet dress
Iris oozed confidence as she hit the red carpet at the Joker: Folie à Deux premiere during Venice Film Festival on Wednesday
The model, 23, showcased her incredible figure in a teal velvet gown with a racy cut-out detail and a daring thigh-high split
Iris posed up a storm in front of a sea of cameras
The backless gown showed off her sun-kissed skin
She flashed her dazzling white smile at the event
The 81st Venice International Film Festival is organised by La Biennale di Venezia and will be held on the Lido di Venezia from 28 August to 7 September 2024
Jasmine Sanders, 33, meanwhile opted for a black lace number which showed off her toned figure
The model and influencer left little to the imagination in the sheer number
Lady Gaga was seen signing autographs for the many fans at the premiere
She looked incredible in the dramatic black gown
She put on a very loved-up display with her partner
Her hair was styled to perfection in a slick up do
She beamed a huge smile as she arrived on the red carpet
In addition to her huge ring she wore a stunning diamond necklace
Venice Film Festival is in its second week now and will end on September 7 after a series of incredible premieres
She looked out at the cameras from behind her lace headdress
She posed with her co-star and the director
The pair are set to marry
Her makeup was flawless as usual as she greeted onlookers at the Venice premiere of her new film on Wednesday evening
She surveyed the crowds of cameras
All eyes were on her for the big night
She looked delighted as she roamed the red carpet for the huge premiere
Joaquin wore orange-tinted shades on the red carpet as he greeted fans with a friendly wave
Margherita Buy attends the premiere in a silk black dress
TV personality Michela Persico wore a leggy black dress and strappy heels
She climbed out of the boat to head to the premiere
She opted for a natural light pink manicure
The dress was structurally impressive
And put their arms around one another
She wore her blonde tresses slicked back
They gave each other the look of love
The dress had quite the dramatic effect
Also in Venice for the Joker premiere, Iris Law looked every inch the red carpet siren in a leggy blue velvet dress and Jimmy Choo heels.
The model, 23, opted for a thigh-split and cut-out gown as she made sure to flash plenty of skin. Jasmine Sanders meanwhile opted for a black lace number which showed off her toned figure.
The 81st annual Venice Film Festival is in its second week now and will end on September 7 after a series of incredible premieres.
Audacious, different, bold and brilliant! Joker: Folie a Deux is a punchline five years in the making, and boy is it worth the wait, writes BRIAN VINER
Five years have passed since the triumphant opening of Joker at the Venice Film Festival. I still vividly remember reeling out of a morning screening, dazzled less by the unforgiving glare of the Venetian sun than by the movie we'd just been shown.
Five years have passed since the triumphant opening of Joker at the Venice Film Festival. I still vividly remember reeling out of a morning screening, dazzled less by the unforgiving glare of the Venetian sun than by the movie we'd just been shown.
Last night, here in Venice, came the world premiere of the sequel, Joker: Folie a Deux The director is again Todd Phillips, with Joaquin Phoenix once more in the title role, this time joined by Lady Gaga as what I suppose we must call the love interest, although that would undervalue her wonderful performance.
The film is audaciously different in style from the original, not quite as electrifying, but bold and brilliant all the same.
It begins with a kind of sinister jauntiness with a Joker animation in the style of a Tom & Jerry cartoon, to show that since the events of the first movie, Arthur Fleck along with his murderous alter ego has become a cultural phenomenon in Gotham City. There has even been a TV movie about him.
Joaquin Phoenix is once more in the title role, this time joined by Lady Gaga as what I suppose we must call the love interest, although that would undervalue her wonderful performance
The film is audaciously different in style from the original, not quite as electrifying, but bold and brilliant all the same
Joker: Folie a Deux is released on October 4, 2024 and will premiere at the 81st annual Venice Film Festival
But Arthur is behind bars, waiting to see whether he will be judged sane enough to stand trial for murder, and in the meantime enjoying his celebrity status both with fellow prisoners and even the warders, one of whom, a sadistic Irishman played by Brendan Gleeson, feeds him cigarettes in return for jokes.
Lady Gaga plays Lee, a fellow inmate on her way, we suppose, to becoming Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn. The pair hit it off at a music therapy class, and are soon mutually smitten, but Lee makes it clear that she loves the dangerously charismatic Joker, ‘clown prince of crime', not the gloomily introspective Arthur.
Indeed, identity confusion is the theme of this film, which delves even deeper than the original into schizophrenia and other types of mental illness.
It's been said that Folie a Deux is a musical. It's not, but music looms large as an expression of Arthur and Lee's burgeoning love for one another. It is while watching Vincente Minnelli's 1953 classic The Band Wagon that Lee, who claims to have been imprisoned for arson, sets fire to their prison wing.
The ensuing chaos provides an excellent opportunity to escape, yet Phillips and his co-writer Scott Silver toy with our expectations throughout; each time we anticipate which way the narrative is going to go, it confounds us by wheeling off in another direction.
The music is a constant, though, with Lady Gaga giving her interpretation of lovely old Burt Bacharach and even Motown numbers, and Phoenix more than holding his own. There are also a couple of swooning dance routines that make Arthur and Lee look like psychotic versions of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in La La Land.
Eventually, after Arthur's high-profile TV appearance with a smug interviewer played by Steve Coogan, it is time for the trial, with all of Gotham gripped by the subject of multiple personality disorder.
Is Arthur the defendant accused of five murders, or is it Joker? His kindly lawyer (Catherine Keener) wants to make clear it is Arthur; Lee just as urgently wants him to identify as Joker.
Lady Gaga plays Lee, a fellow inmate on her way, we suppose, to becoming Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn
more videos
1
2
3
Watch video 'Stop, stop!' Roadie tries to calm Farrell after swing at Navarro
Watch video Watch Emily Gold and Los Osos HS audition for America's Got Talent
Watch video Selena Gomez makes a 'childless cat lady' joke at 2024 Emmys
Watch video Tito Jackson performs in Germany FIVE days before his passing
Watch video Jodie Foster shouts out wife and children during Emmys speech
Watch video Plane Jane looks unrecognizable in red at the 2024 Emmy Awards
Watch video 'The Traitors' wins Emmy Award for Reality Competition Series
Watch video Bianca Censori and sister Angelina flaunt bare assets at Kanye's party
Watch video Kate Hudson and Zooey Deschanel run into each other while out
Watch video Bella Hadid gives followers a peak into her morning routine
Watch video The worst-dressed stars on the 2024 Emmy Awards red carpet
Watch video Meryl Streep and Martin Short spark rumors at the 2024 Emmys
For those cinema-goers who consider Joker: Folie a Deux to be just another unnecessary Batman spin-off, you should maybe think again
All this is compellingly directed by Phillips, and superbly acted by Phoenix especially, in a role for which he seems custom-made, but by Gaga too. We've known since A Star is Born in 2018 that she can act, but she really is terrific in a bad-girl role. They'd have loved her at St Trinians.
As for those cinema-goers who consider Joker: Folie a Deux to be just another unnecessary Batman spin-off, you should maybe think again.
This might not quite be in the top rank of films about mental illness, alongside all-time greats such as Psycho and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. But it's not too far off.
Joker: Folie a Deux opens in the UK on October 4, 2024.
Venice Film FestivalLady GagaJoaquin Phoenix
