If Joaquin Phoenix is faking his recent charge towards a career in music, it is the talented actor’s finest performance to date. Much has been made of his scruffy beard, dishevelled looks, and rapping, indeed, when his ‘retirement’ from acting was first announced, the surprise, coupled with his maligned appearance, shocked onlookers into believing every word, but since then, they’ve grown a little more sceptical.
With brother-in-law Casey Affleck directing his first film, a documentary about, you guessed it, Mr. Phoenix’s transfer to music, Affleck billed the film as a mockumentary similar This Is Spinal tap, and the gossip blogs’ field day grew ever longer. Whether Phoenix is indeed preparing a rap album in total seriousness, or if Affleck’s premiere will make a fool out of us all for believing their fake plans even at first, the whole thing is a fascinating spectacle.
For now, just enjoy Joaquin on Letterman, and wonder whether it’s just a show after all…