Renowned actor Joaquin Phoenix has once again stunned audiences with his physical transformation for the highly anticipated film, Joker: Folie À Deux (Joker: Crazy with a Pair). The actor revealed that his extreme weight loss regime for the role left him on the verge of losing his mind, prompting concern among fans and industry professionals alike.
Released five years ago, the first Joker film took the world by storm, grossing over $1 billion at the box office. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the infamous Gotham villain earned him the Best Actor award at the 2020 Oscars. Now, at 50 years old, Phoenix has returned to the screen in the much-anticipated sequel, which hit theaters on October 4. His performance in Joker: Folie À Deux is already being praised, with many predicting another Oscar nomination for his chilling portrayal.
Phoenix once again underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role. In the first film, he famously lost 22kg to achieve the Joker’s gaunt, tortured appearance. This time around, Phoenix adhered to an even stricter diet and exercise regimen, shedding approximately 20kg for the sequel. The actor admitted that the process took a significant toll on his mental and physical health, confessing at the 2024 Venice Film Festival that he almost lost his mind due to the grueling weight loss program. His diet consisted of only lettuce, asparagus, and apples, a regimen he vows never to undertake again, especially given his age.
“I’m 50 years old now,” Phoenix said, explaining that the extreme measures he took to prepare for the role are unsustainable. Despite the personal hardships, Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker in this sequel is nothing short of exceptional. His appearance – shockingly skinny and frail – conveys the Joker’s misery after enduring imprisonment and abuse, perfectly capturing the character’s unhinged psyche.
Joker: Folie À Deux takes place two years after the events of the first film, where Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix) orchestrated a series of brutal massacres in Gotham City. The sequel finds the Joker imprisoned in the infamous Arkham Mental Hospital. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film promises to once again take viewers deep into the chaotic world of Gotham through Phoenix’s unparalleled performance.
One of the unique aspects of the film is that all musical performances were recorded live. Both Phoenix and co-star Lady Gaga performed their vocals during filming, with piano accompaniment and background music being added in post-production. This immersive approach ensures that the audience experiences the emotional intensity of the performances in real-time, bringing them into the twisted world of the Joker and his partner, Harley Quinn (played by Lady Gaga).
Phoenix’s physical and emotional commitment to his role as the Joker continues to awe and inspire. However, his alarming weight loss for the film has also sparked conversation about the dangers of extreme body transformations in Hollywood, raising concerns about the lengths actors often go to for their craft. With Joker: Folie À Deux, Phoenix not only delivers another unforgettable performance but also pushes the boundaries of what it means to truly embody a character.
Joaquin Phoenix’s transformative performance in Joker: Folie À Deux highlights both his remarkable acting talent and the physical sacrifices he has made for his art. As fans and critics alike praise his portrayal, the conversation around the toll such transformations take on actors continues to grow. Phoenix’s dedication to his craft, paired with the unique live musical elements of the film, ensures that this sequel will be a cinematic experience not to be missed.
