In 2005, Joaquin Phoenix was an awards season favorite following his portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line, but fast-forward four years and he’s the newest object of unshaven mockery.
Late last year, Phoenix announced that he was retiring from acting to instead pursue a life-long dream of being a rapper. However, his recent (and very public) temper tantrums, bizarre behavior and unruly appearance have raised grave health concerns for the 34-year-old. Earlier this month, a disillusioned Phoenix appeared on The David Letterman Show where he spoke in monosyllabic slurs and stuck gum underneath the desk — providing great material for the 2009 Academy Awards on Sunday.
While presenting alongside Natalie Portman, Ben Stiller (donning an over-sized scruffy wig and fake beard) chomped loudly on his gum, prompting Portman (who was also in on the act) to chastise him. Stiller then pulled a Phoenix and stuck his gum on the podium.
The day before at the Independent Spirit Awards Phoenix also found himself the brunt of the joke. Comic host Steve Coonan dressed up as Batman and mimicked an uncensored “Christian Bale rant” alongside an actor resembling a highly disheveled, dribbling Phoenix. The next presenters on stage were “Juno” stars Ellen Page and Jason Bateman.
“Oh Ellen Page, why haven’t we seen you in a year?” Bateman asked. “Have you quit acting?”
So while we’re all laughing at these people pretending to be the actor-turned-rapper, it seems he is actually the one secretly laughing at all of us.
“Joaquin wanted this, of course he knew (about the parodies) because it’s all part of a very strategic plan,” said our inside source. “He is selling it all as a documentary not about his musical career but the whole issue of public persona. It’s all a big joke and he’s not pursuing rapping seriously no matter what he says.”
Phew – Ben Stiller can probably breathe a sigh of relief too.
“Ben (Stiller) was just going along with the joke that Joaquin started,” added our insider. “He wasn’t poking fun at him, there are no hard feelings.”
A rep for Phoenix did not respond for comment.
(source)
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