JOAQUIN PHOENIX - DIRECTOR GREY BLASTS HIS STAR, JOAQUIN PHOENIX

DIRECTOR GREY BLASTS HIS STAR, JOAQUIN PHOENIX

Director James Grey is blaming Joaquin Phoenix for the box-office failure of his recent movie, Two Lovers , which has taken in just $1.63 million after five weeks in limited release, despite largely positive reviews and nominations for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Best Foreign Film award at France's César Awards. Phoenix, who starred in the movie with Gwyneth Paltrow, appeared on TV shows to promote the movie bearded, chewing gum, and speaking often incomprehensibly. In an interview with Thursday's London Times , Grey said that when Phoenix appeared on David Letterman's TV show, Letterman tried to discuss the movie with Phoenix, "but the only thing that's out there now is a crazy person with a beard making a fool of himself." As for the movie that Phoenix's brother-in-law, Casey Affleck, is shooting about Phoenix's supposed transition from actor to rapper, Gray said, "I have no idea what the hell that guy is shooting. ... The whole thing is not to my taste, and I've let Casey know this." As for speculation that it's all an elaborate hoax, Grey said, "He has his own recording studio [in his house]. So if this is a hoax, then it's the most elaborate thing that I have ever seen. ... But if it isn't, you know, I think he needs, well, help."

27/03/2009