There are only a few words to describe Joaquin Phoenix’s appearance on David Letterman two nights ago. Bizarre, awkward, uncomfortable and hilarious (thanks to Letterman) are a few and, well, that’s about it.
But there is something about his behaviour that doesn’t quite convince me (and many others) that his transition from an actor to a would-be singer is something serious.
Ever since Phoenix announced he was retiring from acting back in October 2008 in order to focus on a music career—I didn’t buy it. When news broke that friend and brother-in-law Casey Affleck would “document” (or mocument) his career to making hip-hop music—I had to hold back laughter.
So what the heck is up with his appearance on Letterman? Some would say its nothing short of just an insane publicity stunt. But perhaps, in all seriousness, Phoenix is losing his sanity. He battled alcoholism and, back in 1993, his elder brother, River, died from an overdose of heroin and cocaine with Joaquin at the scene. Could these incidents be somewhat responsible for his behaviour years later? Sure, but I doubt they are. And, in the case that I am right, this means Phoenix is purposely trying to look like a douchebag.
Nice move.
The “actor” appeared on Letterman—for what seemed to be the longest and most useless 10-minute interview in the world—to promote his most recent film Two Lovers. He briefly forgot the name of his co-star Gwyneth Paltrow, managed to only slur one to three word answers at the most, stared into space for the longest two minutes of silence (I guess he ran out of things to say), fumbled, drew blank stares, fumbled again AND, as a finale, spat and stuck his gum UNDERNEATH LETTERMAN’S DESK.
If it wasn’t for Letterman’s cheeky remarks/questions (i.e. “What can you tell us about your days with the Unabomber?”) the whole interview could’ve been a total disaster—which it was—but somehow in a good way.
YouTube videos of Phoenix’s appearance are continuously played around the clock by pop-culture geeks (myself included) who have the urge laugh at someone else’s peculiarities rather than their own.
As for Phoenix, good luck with your so-called hip-hop album. Sure you can carry a tune (his performance as Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line” was brilliant) but please stop with this totally ridiculous and off-the-top PR move. And, should your condition actually require you enter rehab (again) then its best to do it now because I still don’t know what you are trying to prove.
And maybe that’s the whole point.
(Photo courtesy of CBS)
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