Lady Gaga Reflects on Post-‘A Star Is Born’ Break, Anticipates ‘Joker 2’

In a recent interview with El-Balad, Lady Gaga opened up about her challenges after the production of “A Star Is Born” and her upcoming film, “Joker: Folie à Deux.” She candidly reflected on her mental health struggles and the impact of those experiences on her career.

Struggles During ‘A Star Is Born’

Gaga revealed that her mental well-being deteriorated while making “A Star Is Born.” She mentioned taking lithium to manage her condition during this period. This turbulent time coincided with her “Joanne” world tour, leading to significant personal challenges.

The Decision to Cancel the Tour

• Gaga’s sister expressed concern about her well-being, prompting Gaga to reassess her situation.
• She ultimately canceled the last ten shows of her world tour due to her mental health struggles.
• One particularly difficult day led her to seek psychiatric care.

During this period, she felt as though she had lost her identity. “I completely crashed. It was really scary,” Gaga stated, emphasizing the seriousness of her mental health crisis.

Critical Success and Challenges

“A Star Is Born” premiered in fall 2018, following its debut at the Venice Film Festival. The film garnered widespread acclaim, with Gaga earning a nomination for Best Actress and winning an Oscar for Best Original Song for “Shallow.”

A Shift in Personal Life

Since 2020, Gaga’s relationship with her fiancé, Michael Polansky, has played a crucial role in her recovery. She noted that having someone who understands her true self significantly improved her mental health.

Reactions to ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’

Gaga’s latest project, “Joker: Folie à Deux,” has not met expectations at the box office. Released in 2024, it received negative reviews, bringing in just over $200 million worldwide, a stark contrast to the $1 billion earned by the first film.

Channeling Challenges into Music

Despite the film’s reception, Gaga’s performance was praised. She mentioned using the backlash creatively, particularly in her music video for “Disease,” the lead single from her new album “Mayhem.” This album has garnered a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.

Gaga noted that the negative feedback from “Joker” fueled her artistic expression. “I was feeling artistically rebellious at the time,” she explained, underscoring her commitment to her craft even amid difficulties.

To read more about Lady Gaga’s journey and insights, be sure to visit El-Balad for the full story.