Joaquin Phoenix has indeed worked extremely hard for his most acclaimed performance as the lead actor of the movie, Joker. The character that he played, portrayed the personality of a mentally ill person, walking on eggshells, on the verge of breakdown. But this one time, the actor was indeed walking on eggshells as he tried to light a cigarette while gasoline was dripping down his car.
The incident was reported by Werner Herzog, an acclaimed director who has been in the industry for over 6 decades and has garnered a lot of experience in this business. Joaquin Phoenix on the other hand has been affiliated with the industry for a bit over 3 decades, but the actor has already gained a tonne of fame and recognition from his various performances in both small and blockbuster projects.
Joaquin Phoenix Tried to Light a Cigarette After a Near-Fatal Car Accident
Joaquin Phoenix is a famed actor known for his dark and unconventional roles in independent films. His acting career began when he was still a child and ever since he achieved his breakthrough role in To Die For, he has not looked back. The actor received much critical acclaim and awards for his star performance in numerous films, mainly in movies like Gladiator, Her, Walk the Line, and many more.
However, this one time, the actor suffered from a near-fatal car accident as he was driving too fast and the car went out of control, tipped, and came to a stop upside down. Although Phoenix suffered from many injuries they were not life-threatening. What came after was more frightening and serious than all his other injuries combined as the actor tried to light a cigarette while being seated in the vehicle.
Famous director Werner Herzog who was present at the scene immediately jumped into action as he saw the accident happen in front of him. He immediately recognized the actor upon closer inspection and started formulating a plan to get him out of the car. However, the actor who just suffered from a massive car crash took out his cigarette and tried to light it.
Also read: “I’m guilty”: Oscar-Winning DC Star Joaquin Phoenix Hates His Own Method Acting
Herzog quickly realized what was happening and immediately stopped him from lighting the cigarette as though Phoenix was not aware, the German director was aware of the leaking gasoline from his car. This could have turned into a way more dangerous situation, leading to severe burns and graver life-threatening injuries. Werner Herzog shared the story and said,
“The car in front of me was going way, way too fast. It went out of control. I saw it, and it didn’t look good. It came down spinning; somersaulting down halfway. I was the first one on the scene, and the car had landed on its roof. It was partially crushed. I saw one person upside down, deployed airbags and recognized who it was. Well, it was not so clear at the very moment, but I could recognize that it was Joaquin Phoenix.
I diverted my attention from him, and he picked up somehow a cigarette and tried to light the cigarette. And I said, ‘Relax.’ And he [Phoenix] said to me very calmly, ‘I am relaxed.’ And I said to him, ‘No, you’re not.’ Because what I had noticed, and he was not really aware of it, that gasoline was dripping throughout the car. So I confiscated the cigarette lighter.”
Joaquin Phoenix was taken to safety by pulling him out of the car through a broken window. It would be obvious that Phoenix was very shaken up after the accident. The actor had a long history of drug and alcohol consumption, but he realized how close he had come to getting gravely injured, as this experience helped him turn his life around for the good. Since then, Phoenix has actively promoted sobriety and mental health awareness. He has also been transparent about his challenges and has contributed to the fundraising of millions of dollars for organizations that promote these issues.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker: Folie à Deux Is Set for 2024
On October 4, 2024, the follow-up to the 2019 movie Joker is expected to be released. Joker: Folie à Deux will be directed by Todd Phillips, and reprised by Joaquin Phoenix. Lady Gaga is also set to star in the film as Harley Quinn, as Joker’s lover. Despite not appearing in the first movie, Harley Quinn is a well-known figure in the DC Comics universe. Her presence in the sequel hints that the movie will focus on the Joker’s narrative in a way that is more faithful to the comic books.
Also read: Joker 2 Eyes Lady Gaga As Harley Quinn For Todd Phillips’ Musical Sequel
Since the movie is still in the early stages of production, there isn’t much information available. Joker was a critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award and amassing more than $1 billion at the box office. It will be intriguing to watch how Phillips and Phoenix tackle the Joker this time around as fans have high expectations from the sequel, expecting it to be even more successful.
Joker: Folie à Deux will premiere at the theatres on October 4, 2024.
Source: The Digital Fix
