What's happened
Joaquin Phoenix shared insights into his weight loss journey for 'Joker: Folie à Deux' during a Venice Film Festival press conference. He described the process as more complicated than for the original film, citing extensive dance rehearsals and expressing reluctance to undergo such drastic changes again at age 49.
Why it matters
What the papers say
In an article by Jacob Stolworthy for The Independent, Phoenix expressed frustration with the obsession over his weight loss, stating, "it’s difficult to do so that becomes your obsession." This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the pressures actors face regarding their physical appearances. Catherine Shoard from The Guardian noted that both Phoenix and Gaga worked under medical supervision for their weight loss, emphasizing the importance of safety in such drastic changes. This highlights a growing awareness in the industry about the health implications of extreme dieting.
How we got here
Phoenix's weight loss for the original 'Joker' involved a strict diet, losing 52 pounds to portray Arthur Fleck. The sequel, featuring Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, has heightened expectations due to its musical elements and the actors' physical transformations.
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