Lady Gaga Reflects on Career Highs and Lows After Joker: Folie à Deux Box Office Disappointment
Lady Gaga has always been an icon of reinvention and resilience. Whether she's dominating the music charts or captivating audiences on the big screen, the Oscar-winning star never shies away from pushing boundaries. Yet, despite her impressive track record, even Gaga isn't immune to setbacks. Her latest film, Joker: Folie à Deux, which hit theaters on October 4, has received harsh reviews, marking a rare box-office flop in her otherwise stellar career.
In a candid interview with People, the 38-year-old artist reflected on her journey. “I’ve been in the music industry since I was a teenager, and I’ve been working in the film industry for the last 10 years or so,” Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, shared. “And, you know, I think that I just went through a lot.”
For many of her fans, these struggles aren’t new revelations. Gaga opened up about her mental health, physical pain, and challenges with fame in her 2017 documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two. The film gave audiences a raw and intimate look into her life, but for Gaga, it's clear that she's come a long way since then. “I feel really grateful for the career that I've had, and I feel so grateful for my fans,” she told People. “At one point, I had a lot of trouble with it all, but I just feel a lot better now.”
Harley Quinn: A Role That Hits Close to Home
In Joker: Folie à Deux, Gaga stars as Harleen Quinzel, the psychiatrist turned chaotic love interest to Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck. Playing Harley Quinn was, in Gaga’s words, a liberating experience. “It was so completely freeing,” she explained in a recent interview on Good Morning America. “I was able to hide little pieces of myself in the character.”
This intense, personal connection to the role gave Gaga the space to express sides of herself she hadn’t before. “When I first saw the film, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s in there! That part of me that I want no one to know about.’”
One particularly unique aspect of Joker: Folie à Deux was the decision to perform the music live. Gaga, known for her powerful voice, pushed for live vocals during filming, a move that Joaquin Phoenix admitted made him uneasy. “You were really cool and kind of made me feel comfortable about that,” Phoenix praised her on GMA. In response, Gaga said, “I can assure you that Joaquin using his natural voice was just so much more compelling than any lip-synching would ever be.”
Navigating Personal Triumph Amid Professional Setbacks
While Joker: Folie à Deux didn’t reach the box office success many anticipated, with a disappointing $20 million opening and the lowest CinemaScore rating for a comic book film, Gaga’s personal life appears to be thriving. She and her longtime boyfriend, Michael Polansky, recently got engaged during the 2024 Paris Olympics, signaling brighter days ahead for the pop sensation.
Despite the film’s struggles, Gaga remains optimistic about her journey. The combination of her latest album Harlequin, tied to the film, and her raw, emotional performance as Harley Quinn demonstrate her unwavering commitment to her craft.
“I just feel a lot better now,” Gaga confessed during her People interview. “And it’s nice to be able to say that.”
As always, Lady Gaga’s career is marked by constant evolution, and while Joker: Folie à Deux may not have been the box office hit she hoped for, her ability to reflect, adapt, and keep moving forward remains undeniable.
Lady Gaga’s story is one of perseverance. Her recent reflections remind us that even the most successful stars experience professional setbacks. Yet, Gaga continues to redefine herself in the face of challenges. Whether on the stage or screen, she embraces both her vulnerability and strength, making her not just an entertainer but a symbol of resilience for her fans.
As Gaga steps into this new chapter of her career, we can be sure of one thing—her journey is far from over.
What do you think about Joker: Folie à Deux and Gaga’s career evolution? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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