During an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” this week, Joaquin Phoenix took the opportunity to apologize for his infamous 2009 interview with its former host, David Letterman.
The actor revisited the bizarre television appearance, which was part of his performance for the mockumentary “I’m Still Here.” The interview, in which Phoenix remained in character, was so unconventional that it fueled public speculation that he was having a breakdown.
Phoenix explained to Colbert that his behavior was intentional. He had called the show’s producers beforehand to inform them of his plan. “I said, ‘Listen, this is what I’m doing. I’m coming out here and I’m doing this whole thing,’” Phoenix recalled. His goal was to create a tense and authentic reaction for his film. “I just want Dave to like, lacerate me. I just want it to be really dangerous.”
While the stunt may have been a success for the film, Phoenix described the experience as “horrible” and “one of the worst nights of my life.”
Looking directly at the camera, the “Joker” star offered a sincere apology to Letterman, who retired in 2015. “I’m sorry,” Phoenix stated. “It was so uncomfortable. I regret it. I’ll never do it again.”
Source link