Joker: Folie a Deux, a musical psychological thriller directed by Todd Phillips, received an 11-minute standing ovation at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. However, early reviews do not seem to reflect this. (Also read | Lady Gaga proudly shows off her diamond engagement ring at the Venice Film Festival ahead of the premiere of Joker: Folie a Deux)

Joker receives a standing ovation

Joaquin, Lady Gaga and Todd were congratulated by an enthusiastic theater audience in the Sala Grande and received an incredible 10.5 minute standing ovation, news agency ANI reported. According to the report, the audience occasionally broke out into chants of “Ga-ga, Ga-ga, Ga-ga!” during the ovation. During the chants, others shouted “Gaga, we love you!” The actor and singer thanked and blew kisses to his fans.

No unanimous praise for Joker 2

Although the film received a long standing ovation, it did not receive good reviews. The Hollywood Reporter wrote in its review of the film: “Gaga is a captivating, energetic presence.” However, the film is described as “dark” and “desperately needs” regular interventions by the main characters’ songs.

The Guardian’s review panned Phoenix’s performance, calling it “as monotonous as ever,” adding that it was “certainly just as powerful and his screen presence is impressive.”

Indie Wire called it “boring, shallow, and such a criminal waste of Lady Gaga that we should demand a public hearing.”

In its review, Variety called the film an “overcautious sequel” that “desperately tries to be dark and irreverent, but is actually a rather bumpy and down-to-earth musical sequel.”

About Joker

The first Joker was a huge success both critically and at the box office. It was nominated for 11 Oscars, with Joaquin Phoenix winning for Best Actor and Hildur Gudnadottir for Best Original Score. It was the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.

Joaquin reprises his role as the Joker in the sequel, and Lady Gaga stars as Harley Quinn. The supporting cast includes Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland and Harry Lawtey. Zazie Beetz returns as Sophie from the first film. Joker: Folie a Deux hits theaters on October 4.