Joaquin Phoenix "Bothered" by Joke Claims

Editorial

In case you missed it, Phoenix was on the late-night talk show to discuss his latest movie, Two Lovers, and his retirement from acting to pursue a music career. Showing up in his trademark hobo look (dishevelled beard and sunglasses), he appeared 'distracted'. Specifically, he forget the name of his co-star, mumbled one word answers, couldn't offer any explanation for this career change and stuck gum to Letterman's desk.

Although the talk show host tried to coax an interview out of Phoenix, he eventually had to admit defeat and took to openly mocking Phoenix while the crowd burst into laugher, especially upon mention of his career change to rapping. Speaking with Reuters, Phoenix has now admitted he's "bothered" by the public's reception to his career change. "I can see how people might think it is shocking," he told the news service. "But by saying my life is a joke or the thing that I love is a joke, well, that bothers me."

Phoenix also said he didn't have to dress in typical hip-hop fashion to make the music. "I am not trying to be hip hop, I am not trying to dress hip hop, I am who I am. It's the particular medium I have chosen to express myself, but I don't feel like I have to fit in".

Mikolai, February 2009