Lady Gaga Breaks Silence on Joker 2 Reception, Embraces Artistic Journey

In a revealing interview with Elle magazine, Lady Gaga has finally addressed the mixed reception of Joker: Folie à Deux, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of criticism. The 38-year-old star, who shares the screen with Joaquin Phoenix in the highly anticipated sequel, offered a candid perspective on the film's journey and its reception.

Box Office Reality and Critical Response

Todd Phillips' sequel to the 2019 phenomenon has faced an uphill battle since its release. While the original Joker dominated the box office with over $1 billion in worldwide earnings and claimed two Academy Awards, Folie à Deux has struggled to match its predecessor's success, generating $207 million at the box office. The film received a notably low 31% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, leading to seven Razzie Award nominations.

Gaga's Artistic Philosophy

"Sometimes people don't like certain things. It's that simple," Gaga stated in her Elle interview, addressing the criticism head-on. The artist elaborated on her creative philosophy: "As an artist, you need to be prepared for people to sometimes dislike what you create. You have to continue even when things don't go as planned."

The star, who portrays Harley Quinn in the film, emphasized her commitment to artistic integrity over commercial success. "Once that fear enters your life, it can be really difficult to control. That's part of the chaos," she reflected, discussing the challenge of maintaining creative freedom while facing potential criticism.

Divided Critical Reception

The film has sparked intense debate within the entertainment industry. Comedian Tim Dillon notably declared it "the worst film ever made," while acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino praised Joaquin Phoenix's performance as "one of the best I've ever seen in my life." This polarized response highlights the film's unconventional approach, particularly its musical elements and significant departure from the original Joker's tone.

Looking Forward: New Musical Horizons

Following the film, Gaga has channeled her creative energy into new musical projects. After releasing the album Harlequin, she announced her upcoming release Mayhem, set to debut on March 7. She described the creative process behind the new album using a powerful metaphor: "It's like putting together a shattered mirror: you can't perfectly reassemble the pieces, but you can create something whole and beautiful in its own way."

Advocacy and Artistic Vision

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Gaga continues to use her platform for advocacy. In the Elle interview, she reaffirmed her support for LGBTQIA+ and marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and unity. "We need each other, and supporting one another is crucial," she stated, demonstrating her commitment to both artistic expression and social responsibility.