Joaquin Phoenix is Crazy

Joaquin Phoenix made a name for himself in movies by being way too frigging serious. While an adept actor, Phoenix often took his roles too far offscreen and lacks any perceptible social skills. While never a good interviewee, his dealings with press and the public have become increasingly bizarre, culminating in one of the oddest moments on The Late Show ever. Joaquin Phoenix' appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman last night is being compared to Farrah Fawcett's infamous meltdown from over a decade ago and hailed as an "instant classic."

Phoenix recently announced he is leaving acting to pursue a career in hip-hop. He has been nominated for two Academy Awards, including one for Gladiator. While many have speculated the entire thing is some elaborate ruse (especially since Casey Affleck is documenting his every move - including last night's appearance - on video), both Phoenix and his spokespeople insist the move to rapper is serious... well, a serious attempt, at any rate.

I'm not sure why he went on David Letterman in the first place. Ostensibly, he was there to promote his new film (the last one, he insists), Two Lovers, but he couldn't remember co-star, Gwyneth Paltrow's, name! Well, he pretended to forget, at any rate. Since announcing his career move last October, he has grown a long beard and barely speaks - when he does, he just mumbles nonsense anyway. Last night's interview was little more than a string of non sequiturs interrupting uncomfortable pauses.

He stuck his gum under Dave's desk and swore at Paul and was generally just an ass. Incredibly, he asked to perform on the show at a later date, which Letterman called "unlikely." Dave finally said, "I'm sorry you couldn't be here tonight."

Joaquin Phoenix' appearance is added to the long list of weird interviews David Letterman has fielded in his career, including sequential artist, Harvey Pekar's (American Splendor).

© C Harris Lynn, 2009