Joaquin Phoenix and Letterman...umm, yeah

Sweet Jesus, this man needs help.

He's fucking with everybody. He's an ultra-hipster now.

I agree with Homme, even if he weren't leaving his acting profession, I think his little act generated way more publicity then if he just yammered on like any other actor. I really think he was trying to make an ass out of himself as well as the audience and Letterman (apparently not very hard to do). It's like he was saying, "what does this all matter?" Also, I heard he gets really nervous in front of crowds, especially if they are very close to him, but who knows for sure. I honestly hope he isn't into any hard drugs and it is kind of a bummer that he's chosen to quit acting. Maybe he's just tired of the celebrity status and wants to live a normal life?

He's totally Andy Kaufman-ing you all.

I like him better this way.

Agreed. Even before I saw the interview...I read the stories about how his publicist was SWEARING that Joaquin's hip-hop career was legit...and thought "He's pulling an Andy Kaufman".

Wow... I couldn't watch past 1:10. Watching Matisyahu have an anxiety attack is really horrifying.

He was obviously struggling to be there. Not one of my favorite actors - he has the depth of Keanu Reeves IMHO. Sad to watch his career go down in flames like this.

I would respect him more if he were having an actual meltdown. Staged meltdown filmed by Casey Affleck=LAME.

But...that's Dave's schtick. For or against it....it's what he's known for. Haven't you seen him interview Madonna, Crispin Glover or Charles Grodin. Staged or not...some of those Charles Grodin interviews are downright uncomfortable to watch.

Hell...his recent interview with Blagojavich was vintage Dave being a class-A prick.

There has to be a point...if this entire thing wasn't staged... where Phoenix's handlers realize that if he's that bad or awkward in interviews...and that he's going on a show who's host is known for eviscerating an uncomfortable guest...that perhaps Joaquin would be better off plugging the movie in a friendlier format.

I love it when he talks with Harvey Pekar.

Oh, okay. I gotcha now.

I've heard he's a rather shy guy as well and I agree, once you add the crazy hair and beard (which I think is freakin' hot) all of a sudden he's nuts. I don't think it was a meltdown or an attempt to feign a meltdown. Rather apathy at having to be there.

Also, I was really annoyed by the audience. I mean jesus, they laughed at every crappy angle in Letterman's banter. I would wonder if they were on something as well.

Well it's really common for people to laugh when they're put in uncomfortable situations, if you agree to go on Dave's show and you can't answer a question with more than one word there's something wrong with you. It isn't like Letterman was forcing him to be there, the movie studio probably booked the appearance as was contractually obligated for Phoenix's multi-million dollar salary.

He did pretty well @putting Bill O'Reilly in his place, too.

-TM

It's been on E News all day and they're saying the same things on whether it's a hoax or not.

Hmmmmmmmmm

I thought Dave was a little rude. Yes, Joaquin didn't need to wear his sunglasses or to be so quiet, but Dave didn't have to be that rude.

All of it nothing compared to the beautiful Crispin Glover fiasco.

I remember that one well.

hmm...

Or Pekar or Grodin.

I heard it was a stunt for a documentary he's working on. Either way, I thought it was funny and Dave did come off like a dick. I hope that Joaquin knew what he was doing, cuz if so, comedic genius. If not, that's still pretty funny for being drugged up. I'm usually not that funny on drugs.

So when you're trying to commit a hoax, you should probably make sure it's not glaringly obvious that it's a hoax when you get started. Because if you don't, you just look like a dick when you finally do the "big reveal."

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