Redefining Bravado: Lady Gaga’s Approach to Playing Harley Quinn in 'Joker' Sequel

By Felix Howard | 08 October 2024
Welcome Back! count: 637... 5.2 min. Copy edited by Meg.
Was this email forwarded to you by someone awesome? You need your own — subscribe here for free.

FITNESS FOCUS
Beyond the Games: Ensuring Accessible Exercise for Disabled Communities

The recent conclusion of the Paris 2024 Paralympics has reignited discussions about its legacy, particularly in promoting accessibility for disabled individuals. At its core, the Paralympics celebrates the strength and vitality of disabled athletes, highlighting the need for equal access to sports. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized this during an interview, urging the removal of barriers that hinder disabled children from participating in sports. However, a survey by the charity Sense reveals a troubling disconnect between ambition and reality: 80% of disabled individuals with complex disabilities engage in less than 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, with many facing challenges like inaccessible facilities, inadequate support staff, and insufficient information about inclusive sports opportunities. Almost half expressed a desire to be more active to enhance their well-being but are hindered by societal barriers.

FASHION FEATURES
Madewell Unveils Luxury Vintage Collaboration to Attract New Shoppers

On Wednesday, Madewell partnered with luxury vintage e-tailer Reluxe to launch 550 pre-loved designer pieces available on Madewell.com and through trunk shows in New York City, Washington D.C., Austin, and Los Angeles. This is the first release in a three-part series, with the next drop scheduled for January and the final one in spring. The collaboration aligns with current fashion trends, emphasizing sustainability and enhancing in-store experiences. Reluxe founder Clare Richardson will visit each trunk show to assist customers, curating pieces based on local Madewell tastes. The collection, designed to complement Madewell's denim, features high-end items priced from $75 to $4,290 online, with 73% under $500. In stores, prices range from $60 to $1,875, with 86% under $500. Highlights include Chloé high-rise jeans and a faux-fur Saint Laurent jacket. The campaign was photographed by Dan Martensen and showcases models Paloma Elsesser, Dree Hemingway, and Andreea Diaconu.

ENTERTAINMENT
Redefining Bravado: Lady Gaga’s Approach to Playing Harley Quinn in 'Joker' Sequel

With the release of "Joker: Folie à Deux" on Friday, Lady Gaga will introduce her version of Harley Quinn, known as Lee Quinzel, from the DC comics. In a CNN interview, Gaga discussed how she had to alter her typical performance style for the role, which blends musical elements with a dark love story between Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix, and her character. “I tried to completely do away with all the showmanship and bravado that come naturally to me as Gaga,” she explained.

The 13-time Grammy winner and Oscar recipient for her song "Shallow" also modified her singing techniques, attempting to breathe incorrectly and avoid her usual vocal placement to create a breathy, understated style that complements Phoenix's own. This collaboration allows her to embrace the character's darker aspects, including violence and chaos. "Folie à Deux" serves as a sequel to the 2019 hit "Joker," which won Phoenix an Academy Award and grossed over $1 billion worldwide, setting the stage for this unexpected follow-up. The film is now in theaters, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, which, like CNN, is part of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

Join for free today!