Renowned actor Joaquin Phoenix has firmly established himself as one of the industry’s most accomplished and skilled performers through memorable roles in films such as Joker and Gladiator. However, Phoenix humbly acknowledges that he is also one of his own harshest critics when it comes to his craft.
Phoenix has garnered widespread acclaim for his exceptional acting prowess on the silver screen, with his talents being recognized through accolades such as the Academy Award for Best Actor, which he received for his remarkable portrayal in Joker. However, despite the recognition and praise from others, Phoenix’s own self-doubt has often prevented him from watching his own performances.
Joaquin Phoenix Shared The Best Experience Of His Life
At a certain juncture, Joaquin Phoenix experienced a sense of disillusionment toward the craft of acting. This sentiment arose primarily from the veteran actor’s introspection, as he started to question his own approach to his work and even contemplated leaving his $3.3 billion movie career.
“Part of why I was frustrated with acting was because I took it so seriously,” Phoenix told Time in 2012. “I want it to be so good that I get in my own way. It’s like love: when you fall in love, you’re not yourself anymore. 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’s rediscovery of his love for acting may have been influenced by his involvement in the film I’m Still Here. This notable feature gained considerable attention due to the actor’s unwavering dedication to his role, where he portrayed an aspiring rapper with intentions to abandon his Hollywood career. The performance generated significant controversy within the media, which was precisely the intended effect. “Once I became a total buffoon, it was so liberating,” he said.
“That experience is definitely in the top five – or maybe the best acting experience – I ever had,” he said. “I learnt to let go, partly because there was no time to make a chance.”
Joaquin Phoenix Can’t Stop Thinking About His Old Films
During an interview with Fandango, the esteemed actor of Signs shared his perspective on living in the present moment, emphasizing his commitment to embracing the here and now. However, Phoenix admitted that there are times when he reflects on his past films, and this introspection often brings about feelings of guilt.
While he strives to remain focused on the present, the actor’s contemplation of his previous works occasionally evokes a sense of remorse, indicative of his ongoing quest for growth and self-improvement as an artist.
“I do still think about those movies and I go, f***, I f***ed that up. Oh! I f***ed it up,” he said. “It’s really hard, man. I don’t think I ever really get to a place even while we’re working where I go, like, I got it. I get what this is.”
Joker is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Source: Cheatsheet
