Joaquin Phoenix who catapulted himself in the entertainment industry with his infamous movies like Joker, Her, and Gladiator, spoke about his legacy in Hollywood. Discussing his stagecraft, the actor mentioned being his own critic for a major portion of his career. Identifying as his worst critic, Phoenix asserted how he dissects his skills of movie making.
Despite being hailed by fans for his distinct acting skills, Joaquin Phoenix felt embarrassed after looking back at his stagecraft. While the actor won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his movie Joker, Phoenix claimed he always didn’t have the same confidence.
Joaquin Phoenix Criticized His Own Acting Skills
After coming up with award-winning intriguing movies and serving his audience with out-of-the-box dramas like Her, and brilliant villainous roles like Joker, Joaquin Phoenix claims to disgrace his skills. Although the actor is hailed by his fans and appreciated by critics, the 48-year-old mentioned being finicky about his own stagecraft.
Failing to find the confidence and often criticizing his own performance, Joaquin Phoenix mentioned finding it hard to appreciate his movies. “I feel I’m guilty of trying too hard to make sure you understand” the actor mentioned. However, the actor still tried to get into the habit of watching his movies, but every time he faced the same issue of finding his own talent embarrassing.
“Not too long ago I was flipping through the movie channels and there was a movie [I was in] that I’d never seen, I watched it, and I was garbage. It just felt like I was working. I saw so much acting I was really embarrassed by it.” Joaquin Phoenix stated.
The Oscar-winning actor claimed it was too hard for him to watch his own performance on screen. Often feeling overwhelmed with embarrassment and other times criticizing his talent, Phoenix mentioned refraining from watching his movies.
Joaquin Phoenix Wasn’t Confident Of His Stagecraft
Although the actor is known for his versatile acting skills and is awarded for the same, Joaquin Phoenix mentioned facing a lack of confidence every once in a while. After finding it excruciatingly painful to watch his own acting, the 48-year-old felt like a coward. “It was so crushing…And then I didn’t have the courage to finish it. I turned it off” Phoenix claimed.
Further while discussing the lack of confidence he faces during his initial years, the actor mentioned questioning his own approach to work. “Part of why I was frustrated with acting was because I took it so seriously. I want it to be so good that I get in my own way.” Phoenix recalled. Stating his desperation to be the greatest actor, the 48-year-old claimed how he was overpowered by his desire. Evidently, the actor claimed, it was the reason why he felt a lack of confidence from time to time.
“You lose control of being natural and showing the beautiful parts of yourself, and all somebody recognizes is this total desperation. And that’s very unattractive.” Phoenix criticized his approach.
However, in the end, Joaquin Phoenix liberated himself from the desperation and lack of confidence following his appearance in the I’m Still Here movie. Although the actor still finds it difficult to watch his films, at least he found the confidence to perform his stagecraft and maintain his iconic Hollywood legacy.
Source: South China Morning Post, Time
