Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated role in Joker: Folie à Deux has stirred concerns about her future in the film industry. The pop star, who has successfully transitioned into acting with critically acclaimed performances in A Star Is Born and American Horror Story, now faces a more challenging reception. Her portrayal of Harley Quinn alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the Joker sequel has been met with mixed reviews, leading some to question whether this film could be a setback in her blossoming film career.
At 38, Lady Gaga took on the coveted role of Harley Quinn, Arthur Fleck’s love interest. Given her acting success in past projects, expectations were high for her performance in Joker: Folie à Deux. Fans eagerly awaited her on-screen return, hoping to see her shine in a complex, psychologically driven role. However, the initial response from critics has been less than favorable, casting doubt on whether Gaga’s acting talents were fully utilized in the movie.
Mixed Reviews and Criticisms
Many critics expressed disappointment in Joker: Folie à Deux. Some argue that the film feels disjointed and uninspired, failing to live up to the artistic success of its predecessor. David Ehrlich, a prominent film critic, described the movie as “intentionally bad,” claiming that it “stifles Lady Gaga’s talent” and labeled it as “boring and bland.” His harsh criticism sparked conversations about whether the sequel might diminish the careers of those involved, including Gaga’s.
Another critic, Danny Leigh, expressed similar concerns. He noted that while Lady Gaga attempted to elevate her role, the film’s overall execution was lacking. “Director Todd Phillips brought Gaga on board without fully understanding how to use her talents,” Leigh remarked. According to him, Gaga’s performance was overshadowed by weak storytelling and lackluster direction, raising concerns about her future in films if projects like this continue.
A Silver Lining: Praise from Some Critics
Despite the negative feedback, not all reviews were critical of Gaga’s performance. Frank J. Avella, a respected film critic, praised both Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga for their work in Joker: Folie à Deux. He lauded Phoenix’s portrayal as a “masterpiece” and applauded Gaga for making the most of her role, even though it was smaller than expected. “The two make a perfect on-screen duo,” Avella wrote, adding that Gaga’s performance, though limited, was “superb.”
This contrast in opinions has led to debates about whether the movie’s flaws lie with Gaga or the film itself. While some critics argue that her performance was underwhelming, others believe she delivered a strong portrayal of Harley Quinn despite the film’s overall shortcomings.
The Film’s Performance
In addition to the polarized reviews, Joker: Folie à Deux has struggled to match the critical success of the original Joker. The film’s score dropped to 39% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 159 critic reviews. Publications like The Mirror gave the film a modest three-star rating, praising the original Joker as a work of art while acknowledging that the sequel is flawed. The film’s lower ratings have fueled concerns about its potential impact on Lady Gaga’s future film roles.
While Joker: Folie à Deux has sparked mixed reactions, it is too early to predict whether the film will significantly affect Lady Gaga’s film career. Although some critics believe her talent was underutilized, others argue that she still delivered a noteworthy performance. Whether this sequel becomes a mere bump in her acting journey or a more lasting setback remains to be seen. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as Gaga navigates her next moves in the film industry.
