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The Artistic Decisions Behind Lady Gaga’s Deleted Kiss Scene in Joker: Folie à Deux
Oct
A Bold Scene that Didn’t Make the Cut
In the making of Joker: Folie à Deux, director Todd Phillips revealed a significant scene involving Lady Gaga’s character, Lee, kissing a woman that was ultimately removed from the final cut. Set outside a Gotham City courthouse, the moment was shot during a pivotal scene just before Arthur Fleck’s (Joaquin Phoenix) court appearance. Phillips explained that although this kiss carried improvisational intensity and fit Gaga’s character, it distracted from the overall flow of the scene, transforming the moment into something more intimate than intended.
Director’s Artistic Vision and Flow
Phillips, known for his attention to detail, decided the kiss disrupted the emotional tone of the courthouse sequence. Originally, it had dialogue attached, which shifted the mood away from a musical and emotional performance by Gaga’s character. The kiss was meant to embody an improvisational choice by Gaga, emphasizing Lee’s radical, unpredictable nature. However, Phillips concluded that the scene worked better without the added dialogue and spontaneous gesture, allowing the mood to focus solely on the character’s song and dance leading up to the courthouse entrance.
Lady Gaga’s Improvisation and Artistic Collaboration
Lady Gaga’s improvisation on set was nothing short of creative brilliance, adding layers of depth to her character in Joker: Folie à Deux. Known for her immersive and often boundary-pushing performances, Gaga’s decision to add a kiss resonated with her portrayal of Lee, a patient in Arkham who shares an intense connection with Arthur Fleck. Phillips recalled that Gaga’s energy and on-the-spot choices constantly elevated her scenes, but in this case, it added an emotional shift that conflicted with the intended pacing of the sequence.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Influence and Partnership with Gaga
The dynamic between Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga throughout the filming of Joker: Folie à Deux was a key factor in shaping their characters’ relationship on screen. Phoenix, known for his meticulous preparation, often collaborated with Gaga, exchanging notes on their performances. Phillips shared that the two stars worked closely to navigate the challenges of performing live musical numbers. This partnership underscored the fluid exchange of ideas and the resulting performances, including the deleted kiss scene that, while significant, was deemed unnecessary for the overall narrative.
The Final Cut: Balancing Drama and Music
Ultimately, Phillips made the decision to cut the scene to ensure that the film retained its intended atmosphere, a blend of musicality and dark drama. He emphasized that the film’s emotional tone required delicate handling, and while the kiss reflected Lady Gaga’s unrestrained approach to her character, it detracted from the cohesive feel of the courthouse sequence. By opting for a more focused musical moment, Phillips allowed the narrative’s central emotions—especially those surrounding Arthur and Lee’s complicated relationship—to take center stage without extraneous distractions.
From torunstyle