Video: The freaky triple deaky Joaquin Phoenix trainwreck interview
posted at 12:40 pm on February 12, 2009 by Allahpundit
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For once, the AP’s reporting is spot on: It is indeed an instant classic. He’s either stoned out of his gourd, in the grip of a slow-motion nervous breakdown, or a better actor than we thought. Even more entertaining than the legendary Merry Miller/Holly Hunter meltdown, although that’s because Letterman’s in unusually good form. Exit question: Farrah Fawcett-esque freakout or Andy Kaufman-esque hoax?
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AP, have you been reading my comments at threedonia.com again? – Traffic Cop Timmy
Mr_Magoo on February 12, 2009 at 12:43 PM
This is your guest on Drugs
LettermanKini on February 12, 2009 at 12:43 PM
I almost peed myself when I heard Dave’s last line on the radio this morning. Made me really like the guy for a couple minutes.
‘True true true’ still has a special place in my heart, but this was pretty good.
BadgerHawk on February 12, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Meet Tony Clifton.
BobMbx on February 12, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Put this guy on suicide watch right now.
fogw on February 12, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Pales in comparison to the cringiness of Farrah Fawcett in 97 or Crispen Glover in 87.
It’s all part of a little personal project Phoenix is working on the he’s subtley filming – and not doing a good job of concealing.
But highly entertaining.
Dave Rywall on February 12, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Drugs are bad, m’kay.
reaganaut on February 12, 2009 at 12:45 PM
I’m guessing Andy Kaufman.
rockmom on February 12, 2009 at 12:46 PM
He’s totally acting. This was no doubt a publicity stunt.
BJ on February 12, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Not too complicated. He’s just high. Really, really, really, high. I’m not sure on what, though – not crack, not coke, not meth. Probably pills.
playblu on February 12, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Pulling a Crispin Glover, I see.
MadisonConservative on February 12, 2009 at 12:48 PM
People – People….
It was a put-on,, planned for weeks – he is making a documentary and this was part of it.
Just a show folks – the man is not crazy – not high – not drunk – just acting….
jake-the-goose on February 12, 2009 at 12:48 PM
I say again, meet Tony Clifton
BobMbx on February 12, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Dave was in on the publicity stunt for Phoenix’s “Actor to Rapper” fake documentary. It’s like a bad Borat.
marklmail on February 12, 2009 at 12:50 PM
And the tragedy is that more Americans will talk about this than about the spendulus bill.
snickelfritz on February 12, 2009 at 12:51 PM
David Letterman is still on TV?!
landshark on February 12, 2009 at 12:52 PM
He brings out teh crazy in this interview announcing his retirement also.
I don’t think it’s an act. He’s breaking down, stoned, or most likely, both.
aquaviva on February 12, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Now I remember why I liked Deavid Letterman at one point.
It’s all a con. Joaquin tried to come off as removed from reality, in his own world, but he couldn’t help smiling at some of the jokes. Then he would catch himself and put on that dazed look again. It helps promote his movie and that wacky documentary he’s doing.
CarolynM on February 12, 2009 at 12:53 PM
He did the same sort of thing years ago when Gladiator came out.
Dead Hand Control on February 12, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Looks like he’s undergoing heroin withdrawal.
JammieWearingFool on February 12, 2009 at 12:54 PM
I haven’t seen Letterman in twenty years, and apparently didn’t miss much.
Vashta.Nerada on February 12, 2009 at 12:55 PM
heh, Saw this earlier…and I’m going with “hoax”.
There’s been a lot of talk lately about Joaquin and his new “image”. I think he was just playing that up.
JetBoy on February 12, 2009 at 12:55 PM
This is important stuff here – this Joaquin Phoenix stuff. We need to know what his deal is – is he an actor or is he a rapper? Is he having a break down or is he staging it for some sort of stunt? Who cares about the potential for a complete failure of life in this country as we know it – we need to know about this jackass and what he is doing. What about Britney Spears? What is she up to? Lindsey Lohan? More importantly – what are these people’s thoughts on politics and how our country should be run? God bless Hollywood and all of the wonderful, beautiful people there.
King of the Britons on February 12, 2009 at 12:56 PM
I’m going to have to go with “hoax”, too. If you notice, he removes the gum from under the table as they go to the clip. So he knows that putting it there would be wrong. Also, he couldn’t help but smile at some of the jokes.
amerpundit on February 12, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Look at the end when JP jumps to his feet; takes off his sunglasses and shakes hand with Letterman. He was obvious not the same man in the interview. This was a publicity stunt.
BJ on February 12, 2009 at 12:57 PM
This is an act. He and Casey Afleck are making a mockumentary and this is all a sham.
carbon_footprint on February 12, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Is this the case of one more actor going off the deep end after one too many pyscho/bad guy roles? Heath Ledger, Mickey Rourke, just to name a few. It seems as if they take on aspects of their characters and it overtakes them. Playing his character in Gladiator would creep me out.
jerseyman on February 12, 2009 at 12:59 PM
You are way out of touch.
Britney who? Lindsey who?
Based on my trip to the grocery store checkout line, Jessica Simpson is the story of the week.
She has even eclipsed The Messiah in terms of magazine covers, in his best week.
reaganaut on February 12, 2009 at 1:00 PM
I think it’s real, because the scandal sheets have been talking for some time about his strange behavior, since he withdrew from making movies, and people are worried about him.
Alana on February 12, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Phoenix was raised in Mexico by his hippy parents who were part of a very nasty religious / messianic cult. looks like them chickens have come home to roost. bummer..he’s a good dude.
DrW on February 12, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Ill go with transitional confusion. His new career in rap music is not going so well. Good luck with it anyways, Mr.Phoenix.
canditaylor68 on February 12, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Who booked this interview? Don’t they have the ‘exit hook’ anymore? This looked like a rerun of the gong show.
jerseyman on February 12, 2009 at 1:04 PM
He’s been this way for a while.
clearbluesky on February 12, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Looks like he needs Christian Bale to take him out behind the woodshed….
max1 on February 12, 2009 at 1:06 PM
CarolynM on February 12, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I agree with you. Too many times he would turn away and smile…
HawaiiLwyr on February 12, 2009 at 1:09 PM
He’s on drugs. That’s obvious. You’d think that after his brother overdosed he would be a little more anti-drug. Sad.
Claypigeon on February 12, 2009 at 1:10 PM
This is easy….he’s bombed…two many Scotch and Sodas…..
norm1111 on February 12, 2009 at 1:10 PM
This isn’t the first time he’s done this. Right after Gladiator he made an appearance and was pretty incoherent. Yeah, he may be on drugs or he has mental health problems and I can’t see ridiculing someone who does.
Blake on February 12, 2009 at 1:11 PM
Total hoax. Look at how he has to stiffle laughing at Letterman’s unibomber joke.
crazy_legs on February 12, 2009 at 1:11 PM
I retract my earlier opinion.
Casey Affleck is “directing” him in a “mockumentary” on hip-hop.
This is a spoof.
aquaviva on February 12, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Acting. Well. His inner mind, and how we perceive him here, are likely in two different galaxies. Bravo. And yah he may have been a couple drinks or a joint in. Letterman was stunning! I haven’t seen him on point like this since the 1990s. More! He is good perturbed. On the other hand he was obviously enjoying the interview, Phoenix will return I’m sure…
Dr. Manhattan on February 12, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Heh. Nice one, Dr. Manhattan.
Kralizec on February 12, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Ahh, that would explain it, he’s been acting like this for about the past year or so.
clearbluesky on February 12, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Anyone else having trouble with the sound (or lack thereof) on this clip?
oldleprechaun on February 12, 2009 at 1:27 PM
But even if it’s a con, it’s totally believable because lots of us think that he is a total freak in reality and his portrayals in movies are as close to ‘normal’ as he gets.
rockbend on February 12, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Still diggin’ into his brother’s dope stash.
Fletch54 on February 12, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Joaquin and Crispin are having good laugh this morning over some eggiwegs, lomticks of toast and lovely steakiwegs.
The Ugly American on February 12, 2009 at 1:34 PM
Nice to see Letterman squirm.
jencab on February 12, 2009 at 1:34 PM
I think it’s more of a performance art thing than a hoax, exactly. Just doing a bit, not trying to trick anyone.
Others have noted that he struggled not to laugh at the unabomber joke, and took his gum off the desk. He also shook hands, took off his sunglasses, and spoke to Dave normally after the interview was over.
Tanya on February 12, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Now the Letterman producers wouldn’t make alcohol or other fun things available to him in the Green Room, would they?
Riiiiiiiiiighhhhtttttt…
Limerick on February 12, 2009 at 1:37 PM
There is a Cabinet post waiting for him if he can meet the established Tax Requirements.
DL13 on February 12, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Opiates?
jp on February 12, 2009 at 1:42 PM
http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/01/joaquin-phoenix.html
Perhaps it’s true that he’s doing a fully immersive hoax
LimeyGeek on February 12, 2009 at 1:44 PM
The next time he’s invited back it will be after his stay at the Betty Ford Clinic.
GarandFan on February 12, 2009 at 1:45 PM
I agree with Tanya; in the exchange after the interview he says to Dave, “good job”. This was a “bit” and a pretty good one at that.
Not surprisingly some actors can actually act off the set.
vnjagvet on February 12, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Sadly, the Miller-Hunter interview has been pulled for copyright reasons. :(
irishspy on February 12, 2009 at 1:51 PM
It’s nothing compared to the freaky TRIPLE deaky slow-motion trainwreck that is David Letterman’s “career.” Not that Leno’s great shakes, but the right people at the right time saw that Dave just didn’t have what it takes to be Johnny’s replacement.
He doesn’t even belong in the Top 100, much less the Top 10.
Christien on February 12, 2009 at 1:51 PM
I think he is just in a role trying to get publicity for his film.
He’s a fantastic actor. He should have got an Oscar for his role in Gladiator.
TheSitRep on February 12, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Sadly, no one can say Dave is acting.
Christien on February 12, 2009 at 1:56 PM
This is what you get when you have two big-headed people in the same room….arrogant and rude.
jbh45 on February 12, 2009 at 1:57 PM
It’s bogus. Had it been real, he would’ve tried to shove his head into Letterman’s gap-teeth.
Bogus as a $3.00 bill.
I stopped watching crap like this, because Carson was the pinnacle. I watched about 6 minutes of this clip … and I didn’t laugh once.
I guess that I missed something. Yup.
OhEssYouCowboys on February 12, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Joaquin is the source of several blind items being posted at gossip websites, indicating that he has recently been out of control on set. He’s reportedly caused the filming of movies to be stopped because he’s so high on heroin that he falls asleep between takes (Reservation Road). Suffice it to say, imho, he’s wasted.
monotonousboy on February 12, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Of course he’s acting. I can’t believe anyone can be so gullible as to think it’s not.
angryed on February 12, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Yeah, but he used the word ‘tremendous’ like 3 or 4 times. He must be losing his perspicacity.
HockeyTemper on February 12, 2009 at 2:05 PM
One of my very closest friends ended up getting hooked on crack. He acted the exact same way.
ballz2wallz on February 12, 2009 at 2:13 PM
I’m not sure a real breakdown, or drug-induced haze, would include so much reactive smirking. Which begs the question: is it an instant classic, or an indication that the “celebrity Letterman freakout” has jumped the shark?
Infidoll on February 12, 2009 at 2:15 PM
My take is that the constant drinking from the mug is schtick(intent)not unconscious. I think that’s the give away.
LadinPlaid on February 12, 2009 at 2:19 PM
It is possible that he’s acting or hamming it up for some mockumentary or whatever and he’s on drugs. He’s had that reptilian pallor of a junkie for a number of years now. I hope it isn’t so, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it is.
forest on February 12, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Me thinks he is trying to steal a bit Of Mickey Rourke Thunder. It may win him an award one day.
tomas on February 12, 2009 at 2:36 PM
ok, i think he’s acting.
but i also think he’s his best audience member. i can’t imagine someone with all his accomplishments, connections and money would actually become this sort of downer, johnny do-little. he is trying to be an “artist”.
“oh, i’m suffering and down-trodden and i lost my razor… aren’t i magically creative? aren’t i one of the great ones?”
bull.
if he wore an obama t-shirt it would be complete.
thedude on February 12, 2009 at 2:37 PM
I was a kid, Crispin really freaked me out.
29Victor on February 12, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Good point.
ColtsFan on February 12, 2009 at 2:39 PM
This is what happens when you don’t have a big brother around to tell you how dangerous drugs can be.
29Victor on February 12, 2009 at 2:40 PM
I guess it runs in the family
Bevan on February 12, 2009 at 2:41 PM
+1. But will they show him being smothered by a pillow on the next evening’s show as they did with Crispin?
And, why to I remember crap like that and not the stuff I want to remember?
TexasDan on February 12, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Joaquin Phoenix who?
Seriously, I think the dude is a good actor, but even if he is acting, it’s stupid.
These Hollywood morons think they are so clever & funny pulling little gags like this.
Kinda like that ‘awesome’ White Album song Lenin wrote-Revolution 9. Fricking retarded.
Who cares.
Badger40 on February 12, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Cousin It?
Shy Guy on February 12, 2009 at 2:47 PM
He’ll get some respect and believability if he can pull off a “Kaufman” with no sunglasses or beard. Kaufman didn’t need that – it was in the eyes.
It still amazes me how gullible the stupid masses are. I suppose that millions of these morons will buy his “music”, thinking he has disassociated from being a Hollywood sell-out. Idiots.
nottakingsides on February 12, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Kinda painful to watch, kidding or not.
XWing5 on February 12, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Yeah, another good reason we should listen to the drug addled Hollywood elite. Yes We Can!
Wyznowski on February 12, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Looks like he’s undergoing heroin withdrawal.
JammieWearingFool on February 12, 2009 at 12:54 PM
——
Was he crapping his pants and puking with a 103 fever sweating buckets feeling like his inner organs were clawing their way out of his body while having wild paranoid hallucinations?
No?
Then no, he isn’t “undergoing heroin withdrawal”.
Dave Rywall on February 12, 2009 at 3:20 PM
David Letterman isn’t much nicer to his non-spaced out guests.
Mike Honcho on February 12, 2009 at 3:28 PM
I just wasted 4:36 minutes of my life on this fool.
He’s a total flake, out to get attention.
Kaufman irritated me too!!!
Thx for reminding me how Hollyweird actors can be!
rightwingmom on February 12, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Poor Letterman..
CABE on February 12, 2009 at 3:48 PM
I’m leaning hoax… though I have heard that he’s serious about this quitting acting and becoming a hip-hop artist thing. Maybe this was a stunt to get some buzz about it.
RightWinged on February 12, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Who thought he was a bad actor? He was awesome in Gladiator.
jimmy the notable on February 12, 2009 at 4:17 PM
While it’s true this may be Joaquin going all “Andy Kaufmann” on Letterman ,there is a sad truth about Joaquin’s life that he shared with both his deceased brother River and actress Scarlet Johansson: They were children of people who were heavily involved in the Children of God, a twisted hippie cult whose bizarre practices encouraged the sexual molestation of children. Aaron, the son of the founder “Moses” Berg committed suicide as have many others who were involved in it or damaged from it.20/20 and 60 Minutes have both done stories on the cult.There isn’t any way to know what lasting impact
this toxic cult has had on Joaquin.
creatureofdust on February 12, 2009 at 4:24 PM
seems fake to me.
cobrakai99 on February 12, 2009 at 4:50 PM
looks less like “jaoquim phoenix has a meltdown” and more like “joaquim phoeniz, sick of showbiz phoniness, can’t bring himself to play along with letterman’s smug, showbiz bullsh*t.”
eh on February 12, 2009 at 5:02 PM
okay…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vywPKkgs6Kc&feature=related
maybe hoax/acting.
eh on February 12, 2009 at 5:10 PM
For those who aren’t familiar with the Crispin Glover appearance, enjoy the trainwreck.
ynot4tony2 on February 12, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Actually it was actress Rose Mcgowan not Scarlet Johansson whose parents were in the cult-my mistake.
creatureofdust on February 12, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Phoenix is an excellent actor! This is probably an act, in the vein of Kaufman. Glover wasn’t acting. The dude is STRANGE. Fawcet….who knows…who cares?
SInce I gave up Letterman once he became a vicious lefty, I must unfortunately pass on watching.
Liberty is dead.
klickink.wordpress.com on February 12, 2009 at 5:35 PM
As opposed to a ‘good’ Borat.
No such thing.
klickink.wordpress.com on February 12, 2009 at 5:48 PM
He was clearly acting. At times he tries to subdue a smile that is cracking through his lips. He also tries to get in a few good one liners too, something that wouldn’t happen if he was stoned.
Remember, acting is what these guys do.
keep the change on February 12, 2009 at 5:50 PM
A theory:
Dude’s not getting out of acting, he’s preparing himself for either:
A. A Jim Morrison biopic (that won’t suck like Olivers Stones craptacular “The Doors”)
B. An alternate reality flick set in a world where Jim Morrsion lived, because THAT right there would have been Jim Morrison by about 1980 had he lived.
SuperCool on February 12, 2009 at 6:18 PM
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