Theodore Martello
Shooting the scene for the much-anticipated sequel, in which Joaquin Phoenix plays the iconic DC Comics villain, needed to be done in less than a month. After getting himself on tape reading a few lines, Martello was told he got the job. Weeks later, he was on set in downtown Los Angeles, which doubled as a New York City street for his scene.
Once he got there he learned he’d be doing his scene with Lady Gaga, who stars in the movie as Joker’s love interest Lee. Martello would be playing a late-1970s Wall Street guy, sporting a suit with slicked back hair. In the scene, he’s standing by a storefront of TV sets next to Gaga. They watch Phoenix as Joker on the TV screens until Gaga’s Lee character suddenly throws a trash can into the display window. Martello’s character is in shock as Lee moves away the broken glass, grabs a TV set, and casually walks away.
The scene was filmed over two days (Martello even got a trailer). Day one was wardrobe fitting, and the second day was shooting alongside Gaga. He even got to engage in a little small talk with the 13-time Grammy winner.
“Me and the other Wall Street guy in the scene, we were bartenders at the time we shot the scene. Gaga mentioned to us there was a time when she only dated bartenders,” he said. “So we were joking around. She was so nice and genuine.”
Warner Bros.
He’d already been thrilled that his scene was included in the trailer, but he was elated to see he also got a line in the final version of the film.
“I have a line; it’s very faint; you can tell it angers Lee,” he said. It’s what causes her to snap and throw the trash can through the window. It’s very cool seeing your face that large standing next to Gaga.”
After filming, Martello contacted Phillips to thank him for casting him and to remind him that he’s always available for another opportunity. Now, with “Joker: Folie à Deux” on his resume, he said he’s begun landing better auditions.
“Showing your face and getting out there is key,” he said when asked what advice he’d give to aspiring actors. “You can’t get cast just being in your room and sending out self-tapes. You get cast by going to meet and greets and industry nights and acting classes. You just have to get out there.”
And maybe always have your headshot handy in your car. You never know.