Joaquin Phoenix Reflects on David Letterman Interview: “It Was Awful and Uncomfortable”
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Joaquin Phoenix, who won an Oscar for his performance, calls the night he gave David Letterman on The Late Show in February 2009 the worst of his life, 16 years later.
Joaquin Phoenix clarifies
Joaquin made an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote his new film, Eddington. After Stephen said that Joaquin hadn't been on the show in 15 years, he and the presenter reflected on the embarrassing live television moment during his visit.
"Yeah, it was weird, because it was both one of the worst evenings of my life and a success in some ways," Joaquin said when reflecting on it. When I first started this program with Dave, I conducted the pre-interview in character, and I soon came to the conclusion that it was a little ridiculous. Therefore, I gave them a call and said, "Listen, this is what I'm doing." I'm doing this whole thing out here. And I just want Dave to, like, cut me up. I simply want it to be very risky. That was the goal in mind.
The interview itself was "horrible," according to the Joker performer, who added, "It was so uncomfortable. I'm sorry; I'll never do it again; I feel bad about it."
Following a chuckle between them, Stephen informed Joaquin that he was unsure whether David Letterman was watching the program. "He could be, and all I have to say is, I'm sorry," Joaquin retorted.
Additional information regarding the well-known 2009 interview
While working with Casey Affleck on a mockumentary called I'm Still Here in 2009, Joaquin made a cameo on David Letterman's program in character. Joaquin had made a public statement at the time that he was quitting acting in order to pursue a career in hip-hop music in order to produce the documentary.
He had a big beard and sunglasses throughout the event. He barely spoke and hardly answered any of David Letterman's queries. He showed little interest in what was being said. Near the conclusion of the performance, Joaquin removed a piece of gum from his mouth and placed it on the host's table. The interview, portions of which were included in the movie, was uncomfortable and made people think that Joaquin was experiencing a psychological crisis.
