Joaquin Phoenix on Playing Joker + Exclusive Outtake

TL;DR

Joaquin Phoenix shares insights on his weight loss and character portrayal in "Joker."

Transcript

Jimmy: THANK YOU FOR COMING. >> THANKS FOR HAVING ME. >> Jimmy: I SAW JOKER LAST NIGHT AND I'M NOW SCARE OF YOU. I HAVE TO SAY. IT REALLY WAS AN AMAZING, INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE. ARE YOU PROUD OF IT? ARE YOU AWARE OF HOW GOOD IT IS? >> UM. >> Jimmy: THAT'S A TOUGH QUESTION, RIGHT? >> THAT IS A TOUGH QUESTION. >> Jimmy: YOU LOOK LIKE A JERK IF ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😚 Joaquin Phoenix underwent significant physical transformation for "Joker," losing weight to authentically portray the character's struggles.
• 🥺 He found empowerment in the weight loss journey, highlighting how personal control can lead to greater energy and motivation.
• 🎥 The film inspired profound discussions among audiences, indicating its emotional and thematic depth.
• 🎼 The creative collaboration on set, including with the music score, played a crucial role in shaping Phoenix's performance and the film’s overall impact.
• ❓ Phoenix's experience underscores the tension between the personal demands of acting and the social challenges posed by intense preparation for roles.
• 🎥 Despite the serious themes, the filming process was enjoyable, reflecting the collaborative spirit fostered by the director.
• 🫵 Joaquin recognizes the importance of preserving the film's mystery, urging viewers to engage with the narrative without spoilers.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Joaquin Phoenix feel about his performance in "Joker"?

Joaquin acknowledges that recognizing one's own performance is challenging, as it can come off as arrogant or dishonest. He emphasizes that many viewers might not fully grasp the complexities of the character, even though he is proud of the film and its reception.

Q: What was the physical toll of losing weight for the role?

Phoenix describes the weight loss journey as both exhausting and empowering. Initially, it was difficult to motivate himself through physical tasks. However, upon achieving his target weight, he felt a surge of energy and a sense of control that transformed his approach to the character.

Q: How did the script and score influence Joaquin's performance?

The score for "Joker" significantly impacted Phoenix's performance, particularly during certain dance sequences. Collaborating with the choreographer, he found that the music inspired emotional nonverbal expressions that conveyed the character's transformation, showcasing a unique filmmaking approach.

Q: What were the set dynamics like while filming "Joker"?

Phoenix shares that the filming atmosphere was surprisingly lighthearted. Despite the grueling nature of the character and scenes, the director Todd Phillips created a fun working environment. This contrast between the film’s themes and the enjoyable set experience was memorable for him.

Q: Did Joaquin experience any challenges with social events during his weight loss?

Phoenix noted that socializing became difficult while dieting for his role, as many activities revolve around food. He described the challenge of attending meals without eating, highlighting how food often plays a significant role in interpersonal connections.

Q: How did Phoenix's family react to "Joker" after the premiere?

After watching the film, Phoenix's family engaged in heated discussions about its meaning and themes, an indication of the profound impact the movie had on them. He was thrilled to see their level of engagement, which contrasted with their reactions to his past work.

Q: What does Joaquin think about discussing the movie's plot?

Phoenix is cautious about revealing plot details, understanding that the film keeps audiences guessing. He values the experience of watching the film unfold and prefers to let viewers form their interpretations, emphasizing the movie's mystery.

Q: What did Joaquin reveal about his dancing background?

Phoenix mentioned that he had dance training, specifically in breakdancing, during his youth. He reflected on how it became a personal expression rather than a public display, suggesting that it has always been an important and serious outlet for him.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Joaquin Phoenix opens up about the intense weight loss he underwent for his role in "Joker," describing the initial challenges and the sense of empowerment that followed reaching his target weight.

• During the interview, he reflects on the film's emotional depth, highlighting his family's engagement with the movie's themes and their discussions about its meaning, suggesting a powerful impact on viewers.

• Phoenix also shares his experiences on set, emphasizing the light-hearted atmosphere despite the film's intense themes, and humorously addresses a tense moment with the cinematographer during filming.