The Joker, the most complicated supervillain in DC Comics, has already frightened and impressed fans with Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal. His dramatic transformation into the failed comedian-turned-sadistic clown is terrifying, even from the trailer, with his bony frame and that terrifying cackle. Beyond his extraordinary acting prowess that earned him an Oscar, Phoenix’s life is full of fascinating details that have captured the public’s interest.
In fact, he has overcome many personal obstacles, experienced many unusual things, and lived a life firmly committed to his moral convictions. Did you know Phoenix had played the Joker before he was cast as the twisted clown?
A bit more than ten years ago, Phoenix, 49, caused a public breakdown by tricking everyone into thinking he was giving up acting to pursue a career in rap. As it turned out, it was all staged for his mockumentary flick, I’m Still Here.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Infamous Stunt on David Letterman’s Show
As a brief recap: a few decades ago, Joaquin Phoenix made an extremely strange and disheveled appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. Concern in the media replaced confusion as the seemingly drug-addled actor continued to try to convince viewers that he was serious about pursuing a career in rap. There were concerns that his unpredictable actions could indicate that he was trapped in a negative cycle and would follow his older brother’s destructive path (via NY Times).
However, it was later revealed that everything had been staged for his 2010 mockumentary, I’m Still Here. Some speculated that Phoenix had become a slovenly drug addict after David Letterman asked him why he felt compelled to play this role. Phoenix gave the following response:
“[We wanted to make] a film that explored celebrity, and explored the relationship between the media and the consumer and the celebrity itself. And we wanted something that felt really authentic.”
Letterman told Phoenix, “I recognize you as a powerful talent, I have always liked you”, which is how we felt about him as well.
Later, Ben Affleck, who told the New York Times that Phoenix had delivered “a terrific performance, it is the performance of his career”, confirmed what many had already surmised: that it was all a sophisticated spoof.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Career Crisis: The David Letterman Stunt Fallout
For the first time since his February 2009 visit, Joaquin Phoenix made a second appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman in 2010 (per ABC). The host referred to Phoenix as “the dope in the beard” and “a side of beef in a suit”.
The Joker actor appeared trim and well-groomed in a stylish gray suit this time. In an attempt to sound mocking and accusing, Letterman asked, “Whattaya got to say for yourself?”
Regarding his involvement in the filming of the hoax mockumentary I’m Still Here, which was directed by Casey Affleck, he questioned, “Now, did I know anything about this?”
“No”, Phoenix replied.
Letterman said, “Yeah. Was there a script that you and I were working with?”
The Oscar-winning actor again answered with a “No”. The host then grinned and said,
“Thank you very much. I was not part of it, was I?”
But Phoenix then altered the plot’s direction, saying:
“Yeah, but, I mean, I think that you’ve interviewed many, many people and I assumed that you would know the difference between a character and a real person.”
In contrast to his accomplice, Phoenix seemed genuinely shocked to hear that his performance had caused harm to others. Moreover, their distress caught him off guard. He said to Letterman,
“I hope I did not offend you in any way. I apologize”.
We learned from Vanity Fair that it is still maintained by some that he suffered a mental collapse during the filming of the 2010 mockumentary flick.
You would think that after decades of working in the film and television industries, Joaquin Phoenix would be a natural in front of the camera, but that is not the case at all. Even with his extensive experience in the film industry, which dates back to his early childhood, he told Interview magazine that he still gets “nauseous” the day before he films. Additionally, he told the outlet that he frequently exhibits awkward behaviors due to his “incredible anxiety”.
He added an intriguing twist by drawing a comparison between growing facial hair and his movie roles. He informed The Guardian:
“Suddenly your beard is whacked off and you say, F**k me! I’m n*ked!’ You can no longer rely on the world that you have created.”
Phoenix referred to the entire process as being extremely “lonely” because it occurs so often—he devotes all of his time to his work and then feels abandoned when it is all said and done.
I’m Still Here is streaming on Hulu.
