Seema Khaneja MD
Updated on: October 13, 2024 11:20 am GMT
Joaquin Phoenix’s commitment to his role in the upcoming film “Joker: Folie à Deux” has become the talk of the production, not just for his intense performance as the notorious Joker, but also for his playful antics off-camera. Phoenix’s dedication to his character took a humorous turn when he pranked the mother of his co-star, Harry Lawtey, by appearing on a FaceTime call in full Joker makeup, leaving her in a panic. This incident highlights both the serious and lighthearted moments shared among the cast on set.
Pranking Behind the Scenes
Scaring Mom with a FaceTime Call
Lawtey, who plays Harvey Dent in the film, recounted the startling moment. “Joaquin suggested, as a joke, that we FaceTime my mum and scare her,” he explained. The prank was executed late at night in England, just as Lawtey’s mother was preparing for bed. When she answered the call, she was met with Lawtey’s greeting followed by the Joker’s terrifying visage over his shoulder.
“My mum screamed, ran away and woke up my dad,” Lawtey laughed. The incident showcases Phoenix’s playful spirit, even amidst the intensity of the film’s production.
A Lesson in Acting
Despite the pranks, Lawtey took away a profound lesson in performance from Phoenix. Describing him as giving “a master class,” Lawtey noted how Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker, complete with a distinctive laugh, left an impression on everyone involved in the project. “To watch him do that laugh and to see the effect on him — on everyone — blew my mind,” Lawtey stated, emphasizing the physical toll the character’s intensity seemed to take on Phoenix.
“It was education to watch him move through different flavors and shades of that performance,” he added. The actors reported that Phoenix often found himself coughing after performing his character’s maniacal laugh, which further illustrated the demanding nature of his role.
*Joaquin Phoenix in his role as the Joker.*
Preparing for the Role of Harvey Dent
Making it His Own
For Lawtey, stepping into the role of Harvey Dent, famously known for his transformation into the villain Two-Face, was both an honor and a challenge. He deliberately chose to avoid watching past portrayals, including those by actors such as Aaron Eckhart and Billy Dee Williams. Instead, Lawtey worked on creating his unique backstory for the character, keeping in mind the film’s narrative direction.
“Todd [Phillips, the director] kept on instilling in me that [Harvey] has his eyes on the prize,” Lawtey mentioned, referencing Dent’s ambitions within the context of televised trials, which could serve as a backdrop for his character’s arc.
Keeping a Musical Edge
“Joker: Folie à Deux” marks a significant shift in tone for the franchise, as it is a musical sequel to the original “Joker.” Despite the musical aspect, Lawtey humorously noted that he would not be singing alongside Lady Gaga, who also stars in the film. “If there’s someone in that room who should be singing, it’s her,” he quipped, acknowledging her immense talent.
Industry vs. Joker
Lawtey is also known for his role in the HBO series “Industry,” which has garnered attention for its portrayal of young investment bankers. The show has been popular, especially with the addition of Kit Harington in Season 3, which saw ratings grow significantly. Lawtey reflected on his friendship with Harington, calling it a “bromance” and expressing appreciation for Harington’s relaxed attitude on set.
“That’s such a fun dynamic,” he said, suggesting that their friendship brought an additional layer of enjoyment to the production experience.
The Anticipation Builds
As the theatre release date approaches—October 4—anticipation for “Joker: Folie à Deux” continues to build. The film is expected to explore deeper themes through its musical elements while maintaining the dark tone established by its predecessor.
Fans are eager to see how Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker will evolve and how Lawtey’s Harvey Dent will fit into this complex narrative. With the unique blend of humor, drama, and music, the sequel promises to deliver a captivating experience for audiences.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” is more than just a sequel; it might change what we expect from the series. Joaquin Phoenix gives an amazing performance, and Lawtey brings something special to Gotham’s characters. This film is going to be a big deal in movie theaters! With powerful acting and fun friendships behind the scenes, fans won’t want to miss the premiere.
