Even us film geeks at MTV Movies Blog must admit that there are times when we experience cognitive dissonance between our favorite actors and the characters they portray. Sometimes, an actor capable of delivering a beautiful performance can come off as something very different when thrust in the public eye. In other words, even the most talented performers can suffer from some severe image problems.
Need some examples? Here are five Hollywood personalities whose work we adore, but who could use a bit of a makeover when it comes to their public persona. Remember guys, we're saying this because we love you. Here's some unsolicited advice for a few of our favorite bad boys (and girls). Just a note that those awesome pictures after the jump are the work of MTV's talented associate producer/photoshop ninja/silent assassin Sohyung Kang. If you'd like to see them in their full-size glory, make sure to check out our "Hollywood's Public Enemies" flipbook! Read more...
FROM MTV.COM: Joaquin Phoenix continues to amaze.
Hot on the heels of his rather, uh, remarkable appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman" — which came hot on the heels of his beef with celebrity DJ Dan Sun and his publicist's insistence that the actor's hip-hop career is legit — there's now another layer to add to the growing Phoenix legend.
On Wednesday night, MTV News attended the premiere of "Two Lovers," which, if the hype is to be believed, will be Phoenix's final film. We attempted to speak to the actor/rapper on the red carpet, but he didn't stop to answer any questions. Instead, we managed to grab "Lovers" director James Gray, who gave us this piece of news about the validity of Phoenix's rap career.
Read more about who's responsible for Joaquin Phoenix's rap career over at MTV.com.
I really am torn over these latest shenanigans by crazy-town actor supreme Joaquin Phoenix. Is his supposed retirement from acting for real? That part isn't so far-fetched but the rap career? And having it all documented by Casey Affleck? It's all got my BS sensor working overtime. And then there's the instantly infamous appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman." Riveting television, yes! But what is it? A man in the midst of a meltdown or performance art (his "Two Lovers" director claims the music switch is for real). Again, my jaded mind is leaning towards the latter.
It all has me thinking back to my last encounter with Joaquin. Phoenix is a notoriously horrible interview. By all accounts he hates talking to the press even more than watching himself on screen (he never watches his own films if you didn't know). When I chatted with him about "Reservation Road" at the end of 2007 I couldn't resist bringing up one of my childhood faves, "Spacecamp." He didn't take too kindly to the trip down memory lane. The result? The interview earned a spot on our Most Bizarre Moments show. Take a look. Cringe. And tell us what you think.
Is Joaquin losing it or is it all just an act? What do you make of the star's supposed retirement from acting?
FROM NEWSROOM.MTV.COM At Wednesday night’s New York premiere of “Two Lovers,” Joaquin Phoenix avoided any and all questions as he rushed past reporters on the red carpet. This being his last movie, many people are wondering if Phoenix will actually turn his full attention to the rap game.
Shedding some light on the situation was “Two Lovers” director James Gray.
Continue reading about Joaquin's hip-hop aspirations at Newsroom.MTV.com.
In "Two Lovers" -- out in limited release 2/13 and wider on 2/27 -- Joaquin Phoenix plays Leonard, a depressed younger man who falls for his neighbor Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow). Of course it's never that easy...she's seeing a wealthy older man that's providing her apartment. Watch their awkward dinner together in the below exclusive clue, and then click here to find out more about "Two Lovers." And for those who aren't able to catch the film in theaters, the entire thing is being made available on HDNet Ultra Video-on-Demand.
In one of the strangest celebrity stories of 2008, Joaquin Phoenix abruptly announced he was quitting acting to pursue a career in music -- and not in a guitar-strumming, Johnny Cash way, but as a rapper, with his first album to be produced by Sean Combs.
Only adding to the strange nature of this story is the announcement that Phoenix's career makeover will be documented by his friend and fellow actor, Casey Affleck. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck is helming a documentary that will begin shooting this Friday at Phoenix's first public performance at a Las Vegas club. Read more...
