Director Todd Haines is preparing a new film starring Hawkin Phoenix, which is set to get an NC-17 rating, which means it will only appeal to an adult audience.
In a recent interview with IndieWire, the director of May December, which premiered these days in Cannes and earned the applause of the entire room, revealed that he has a new film in the works and it stars Joaquin Phoenix.
“The next film, it’s a feature film based on an original script that I developed with Joaquin Phoenix, based on some ideas he brought to me,” the director revealed. “Myself, John Raymond and Joaquin share the story, and we hope to start shooting early next year. It’s a love story between two men set in 1930s Los Angeles,” he added.
“Joaquin was pushing me to take it further and saying let’s try this one. This is going to be an NC-17 movie,” Haines continued. He also noted that he has a number of additional exciting projects planned, including something Kate Winslet brought him for HBO.
Haynes also spoke to France’s Les Inrockuptibles, saying that while he’s working on his new film “Fever,” starring Michelle Williams, he’s already started development on a new film. “Yes, but there’s another film I want to do in early 2024. It’s a play that Joaquin Phoenix brought to me and it’s set in the 1930s. It’s a love story between two men, based on an original, very daring script. This is, I believe, his first gay role. I’m very excited about this project!”
Joaquin Phoenix is an accomplished actor known for his incredible performances, and one of his most notable roles is that of Arthur Fleck in the movie “Joker” (2019), directed by Todd Phillips. Here are some interesting facts about the movie and Joaquin Phoenix:
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Physical Transformation: To prepare for the role of Arthur Fleck/Joker, Joaquin Phoenix underwent a dramatic physical transformation, losing 52 pounds (23.5 kg) in a short period of time. This extreme weight loss helped him portray the emaciated and disturbed character.
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Award-Winning Performance: Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker earned him widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor, BAFTA Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, and many other prestigious awards.
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Improvised Dancing: One of the most memorable scenes in “Joker” is when Arthur Fleck dances down a long staircase. Surprisingly, this dance sequence was largely improvised by Joaquin Phoenix himself. The moment became iconic and even inspired numerous parodies and tributes.
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Psychological Preparation: To delve into the character’s mindset, Joaquin Phoenix studied various psychological disorders, including pseudobulbar affect (a condition that causes uncontrollable laughter or crying), as well as the experiences of people who struggled with mental health issues.
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Emotional Intensity: During the filming of “Joker,” Joaquin Phoenix’s dedication to his role often led to intense emotional moments on set. Co-star Zazie Beetz, who played Sophie Dumond, revealed that Phoenix’s commitment sometimes made it difficult to differentiate between his character and his real self.
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Joaquin Phoenix’s Filmography: Prior to “Joker,” Joaquin Phoenix had already established himself as a highly talented actor with an impressive filmography. Some of his notable roles include Commodus in “Gladiator” (2000), Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line” (2005), and Theodore Twombly in “Her” (2013).
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Connection to River Phoenix: Joaquin Phoenix comes from a family of actors, and his late brother, River Phoenix, was also a highly regarded actor. River tragically passed away in 1993 at the age of 23. Joaquin has often spoken about the profound impact his brother had on his career and life.
Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in “Joker” showcased his immense talent and commitment to his craft, and the movie itself became a significant cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions on mental health and society’s treatment of marginalized individuals.