Ari Aster, the acclaimed director of Midsommar, has returned with a new film that is just as strange and unsettling as his previous work. His latest work Beau is Afraid is a sprawling, three-hour epic that follows a paranoid man named Beau, played by Oscar-winning Joker Actor Joaquin Phoenix.
Armen Nahapetian gives a standout performance as the teenage version of Beau in the film. While chatting with Far Out Magazine, Nahapetian speaks about his anxiety, and excitement when he got to know it is him who would play the younger version of none other than Joaquin Phoenix.
Armen Nahapetian Talks about Playing the Younger Version of Joaquin Phoenix’s Character
Armen Nahapetian’s performance in Beau Is Afraid has been praised by critics for its authenticity and emotional depth. Though Nahapetian and Phoenix did not share a screen together, it was a dream come true moment for Nahapetian.
In an interview with Far Out Magazine, Nahapetian shared his joy of starring in Ari Aster’s film.
“I was in a dream all day.You know when something super big happens to you, and you don’t even realise it until like the day after… I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m really going to be in Ari’s film as a young Joaquin Phoenix.”
Nahapetian’s performance is essential to the film and he was determined to play the role and to handle the pressure he was having. He said to himself to “do Joaquin justice”.
Alongside Phoenix and Nahapetian, the film also stars Michael Gandolfini, Patty LuPone, Zoe Lister-Jones, Amy Ryan, and Nathan Lane.
Armen Nahapetian on his Experience of Working with Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix stars in Ari Aster’s new film Beau Is Afraid as Beau Wassermann, a paranoid and anxious man who embarks on a surreal journey home to his mother’s funeral. And Arman Nahapetian played the younger version of the character.
Sharing his experience of working with Phoenix, in an interview with Holr Magazine, the acting prodigy says:
“All the stories you have heard about Joaquin being a phenomenal, giving actor are true, and then some. He is humble and authentic. There is an intangible, unexplainable vibe to him. He made me feel special too.”
He continued:
“On my last day of filming, we had a really cool conversation. Joaquin told me that he based some of his Beau on my original audition tape and that I did an amazing job. I was high off his praise for months!”
It will be a great experience for someone like Arman Nahapetian to be with Joaquin Phoenix and learn.
Watch Beau Is Afraid on Apple TV.
