5 insane things Joaquin Phoenix has done for movie roles
He tricked audiences, smashed props and starved himself, but for Joaquin Phoenix, being a method actor is part of the job
Remember when Joaquin Phoenix stunned Hollywood by saying he was leaving acting for good?
His “promise” was just a stunt the actor used for a film, and just another example of how dedicated he is to his craft. The eccentric but brilliant actor often opts for a method-acting approach for his films, staying in character for the entire filming. Unsurprisingly, there are quite a few stories about the crazy lengths the actor has gone to for a role, but clearly it works for him: he has had three Oscar nominations, four Golden Globe nominations and one Golden Globe win for Walk the Line.
Audiences will next see Phoenix in Joker, Todd Phillips’ intense take on take on the origin story of Batman’s nemesis. In advance of the October 4, 2019, United States film premiere, here are the five craziest things Joaquin Phoenix has ever done for a role.
1. He pretended to have a breakdown
The weirdest thing the film star has ever done is pretend to leave Hollywood for a rap career (and lose his mind in the process). Of course, we know now it was all an elaborate 18-month ruse that became the mockumentary comedy-drama, I’m Still Here, directed by Casey Affleck.
The two men came up with the idea after discussing the phenomenon of popular actors having mental breakdowns and turning into public train wrecks – and how society is fascinated with soaking up every sordid detail. They decided Phoenix would pretend to have such an epic meltdown, with Affleck filming his every faux pas for a secret “documentary” on the nature of celebrity.
Highlights from the hoax include Phoenix growing a ridiculously bushy beard, rapping (terribly) in public before fighting an audience member and making a shocking appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman, where he was dishevelled, wore sunglasses and spoke unintelligibly (he later apologised to Letterman).
Phoenix admitted to The Guardian the whole act eventually spiralled out of control – and that there was even a point when he wanted out. His antics weren’t very well received by the public or by critics, and it’s truly a miracle the stunt didn’t ruin Phoenix’s career.
2. While filming the Folsom Prison scene in Walk the Line, he made his crew treat the extras like real prisoners