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Joaquin Phoenix: Andy Kaufman or River Phoenix?
Joaquin Phoenix is either a genius self-promoter, slowly ginning up interest in his forthcoming rap career, or someone needs to tell the dude to check himself. (Or maybe he just hates Hollywood, so he is going to enter the low-profile music business.)
As mentioned awhile back, the star of “Walk the Line” is planning to leave acting and commit fully to his career as a hip-hop artist. Just as soon as he gets done “promoting” what is ostensibly his final film, “Two Lovers.”
Phoenix was on with David Letterman last night, and looked to be a mixture of nonplussed, angry, spiteful and mildly bemused. And possibly a bit drugged. I understand that the dog-and-pony show of going on TV to answer questions may be a bit exhausting and somewhat trite, but that’s the business you’re in, Joaquin, so either bite the bullet and figure out a more charming way to take the pi**, or go find another line of work.
Of course, Letterman could have been slightly more accommodating (although he did profusely compliment Phoenix’s acting talents), but, after all, he does have an entertainment show to put on the air, and he could probably use a little more help from his guest. At one point, the crowd laughs at Phoenix’s mention of his rap career, which prompts the actor-cum-musician to query Letterman, “What you gas ‘em up on?” That’s rich. Phoenix is like the qualude to Tracy Morgan’s Hennessy.
Below are the “highlights” from the CBS site. Zach Galifianakis would be proud.
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By sandy
February 13, 2009 7:07 AM | Link to this
I think Joaquin Phoenix is having mental problems—I hope someone is looking out for him.
By Susan
February 13, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this
I saw the whole thing on Dave, and in my opinion, Dave was NOT hard on Phoenix at all, but rather was a recovering alcholic showing grave concern for a younger man he could tell is in deep trouble, but he just discovered it on air when Phoenix got within smelling range; Remember, Dave’s job is to entertain and help promote the careers of such young men, so he did the best he could, given the audience’s reaction at coming to the same conclusion he had that Phoenix was visibly altered, slurring his words and not comprehending the situation he was in. Their nervous tittering mixed with Dave’s concern and I felt he was actually quite kind, given that Phoenix had no business going on as drunk and tripping as he appeared to be. And if it was an act on Phoenix’ part, then Dave just helped him in his self-promotion. It’s sad to see another Phoenix go into the ashes of self-destruction, but lay off Dave; he’s extremely attuned to the problems of addiction but he also recognizes that his guests have a responsibility to present themselves well. Heck, Dave lied and said that Phoenix was great, even musically, in WALK THE LINE, and if that’s not bending over backward to accommodate a spoiled star, I don’t know what it.
By Bob
February 13, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
MO, how would you have recommended that he be more accommodating? Should he have coddled Phoenix? Should Dave have asked him if he was ok? Should he have known ahead of time and barred Phoenix from coming out at all? I think Letterman did quite well with a discomforting guest.
By mike
February 23, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this
This guy is a real piece of work. What a true slacker. He needs to get drunk and get lost for a long time. Hollywood is trash.
By Art Schumacher
March 3, 2009 4:22 AM | Link to this
Good on yer Joaquin!
By TheManWithNoName
March 4, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this
Please don’t compare someone like Pheonix to someone like Kaufman. It’s a slap in the face to Andy.