Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux hit theatres this week to polarised responses. The sequel to Joker (2019), which explores the further descent of Arthur Fleck into madness, has become a talking point not only for its bold storytelling but also for the powerful performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.

In a recent video shared by the Critics Choice Awards on Instagram, Phoenix and Gaga opened up about their experience of working on the film and what drew them to the project.

Phoenix, who reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, reflected on the collaborative nature of filmmaking. “I feel I get the credit and benefit of other people’s hard work you may not see. It’s flattering, but I also get embarrassed. There were so many other people that were working. Their creativity made it appear like I’m the only one that has given everything,” the Academy Award-winning actor said.

“It’s so nice to hear (the praise), and thank you for saying that. But I feel I have to correct people. I feel embarrassed,” he added.

Lady Gaga, who joins the cast as Harleen Quinzel aka Lee, expressed her deep connection to the film’s message. “I did this movie because I really believed in Arthur Fleck’s story from the first Joker film. I loved what Todd did and also Joaquin’s performance. And this was the next step in his journey,” she said.

The pop icon emphasised how the film resonates with societal issues, particularly the treatment of marginalised individuals. “There are people in society who get pushed to the side and diminished, and treated poorly systematically because they may have a mental health issue. That was meaningful to me. It’s a seed, and I wanted to know where we go next.”

Joker: Folie à Deux opened to mixed reactions from fans and critics, with some praising its daring musical format and others finding it overly indulgent. Regardless, the film’s themes of mental health, societal neglect and the psychological unraveling of its lead characters are once again at the forefront, much like its predecessor.