Reruns and Dopplegangers

February 26, 2009 will be the second-most memorable day in the ongoing chronicles of Joaquin’s life. No, it’s not the release date of his new album…but yes, CBS will be airing the rerun of his appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:30 pm (ET/PT).

This is a chance for everyone who missed seeing the original episode to redeem themselves from missing the pop culture phenomenon, and it will be so much better than the five-minute YouTube clip. Viewers will be able to fully understand the context behind his monosyllabic responses, analyze the significance of putting gum under the desk, and interpret every perhaps-drug-induced twitch.

On another note, Joaquin’s retirement could be contributing to a recent trend in retiring actors. Ben Stiller made an appearance at the Oscars and not only was he sporting hair, beard and sunglasses that were reminiscent of Joaquin’s look, but he claims he’s retiring from being “the funny guy” to a pursue career in cinematography. Next thing you know, Keanu Reeves will retire to become a statue, and Tom Cruise will quit to join a scientology cult. Watch the clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pflgMxxBPuY

(For clarification, Stiller is on the left and Joaquin is on the right.)

Will the Real Joaquin Please Stand Up? two schools of thought on the recent activities of Joaquin Phoenix

Of course, we have all, by now, heard about Joaquin Pheonix alleged retirement from acting in pursuit of a hip-hop music career. His controversial appearance on David Letterman's show brought these events into mainstream entertainment news and, of course, many opinions and theories have been offered. My purpose here is not to offer my own opinion, but rather to present the existing schools of thought, which can be broadly categorized unter the categoies: "Method" and "Actual." I will, in this post, broadly outline the basics of the "Method" school of thought.

Method:

Joaquin as Acting Entrepreneur

This school of thought is by far the more intriguing of the two, it's basic premise being that Joaquin is in fact NOT leaving the acting world, but that his current actions and declarations are a part of a "real-life role." This view is supported by the fact that during the months in which Joaquin has undergone his personal and professional changes, his brother-in-law and director Casey Affleck (pictured here, with rabbit) has apparently been "documenting" the change on film. This is suspect primarily as no one truly believes Casey to be capable of indifferently filming the downward spiral of such a dear friend. Further evidence in support of the "Method" School is, in fact, it's namesake. Method is an acting technique in which the actor attempts to become completely immersed in his or her character, both on and off screen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_acting

Famous method actors include Adrien Brody, Marlon Brando, Viggo Mortensen (who, as "Aragorn" in LOTR, apparently carried his sword everywhere, whether filming or not), Daniel Day-Lewis and, of course, Joaquin Phoenix. Would it be so hard to believe that an accomplished method actor would want to take his or her art to the next level, actually living out the character they are attempting to embody?

For those who are concerned about Joaquin's actions, this school of thought offers a certain "ray of hope," thought to many it may appear like an acting conspiracy theory. The changes Joaquin has so quickly undergone, however, have lead many to think that this new, darker, sullen, stoned Joaquin is, in fact, just another role... and not only that, but the role of a lifetime.

-C#5

The Meltdown Breakdown

[Editor’s Note: In this post, I used the word breakdown instead of meltdown due to negative connotations of a two-year old throwing a temper tantrum.]

We’ve heard the accusations that Joaquin’s recent behavior is just a publicity stunt, perhaps to be featured during sweeps week on Punk’d, or part of an elaborate documentary on his metamorphosis from actor to rapper. Or maybe he is legitimately pursuing the hip hop scene. After all, Sean “Puffy” P. Diddy Combs (who is supposedly the rapper collaborating with Joaquin) is known for his credibility.

Yet there is one possibility that is being glossed over. Perhaps Joaquin does not have full control over his mental capacities and his behavior has become irrational. We’ve seen the much-publicized breakdowns of other celebrities, including Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston/Bobby Brown, Brooke Shields, Owen Wilson, and she-who-will-not-be-named-but-married-then-divorced-K-Fed-and-one-time-shaved-her-head. Looking at Joaquin’s substance abuse problems in the past, as well as the physical and mental strain of being an award-winning actor, it’s not surprising that he could be experiencing a breakdown. (He may even be a dual diagnosis case--more on this in later posts as it becomes relevant.)

If Joaquin is indeed suffering from a breakdown, Casey Affleck needs to quit parading around with his camera. He needs to gather a team of mental heath professionals, chemical dependency counselors and Joaquin’s closest friends and family for a good ol’ fashioned intervention.

Casey, if you really love him, you’ll do what’s best for him.

-Dr. JLove

Our Beginnings...

I can't believe that it was only last Thursday when I stumbled upon the clip of Joaquin’s appearance on Letterman. I was intrigued by the video, and eager to share the find with my housemates. Our interest increased as we watched and re-watched the clip. We began investigating more and more into the bizarre scene we had witnessed. Some news outlets said that he is faking his retirement and instead following “method acting” protocol in a new film project. Others said that he was exhibiting behaviors of a drug addict, or of someone experiencing a mental breakdown. Joaquin himself insists that his is retiring from acting to pursue his music career.

During the next few days, so many questions came to our minds. Is this just a publicity stunt? Why would he give up an acting career to pursue hip hop? How will fans and media react to his appearance? When will his first album be available? Is his beard itchy? What kind of gum was he chewing? Who will impersonate him on SNL?

Needless to say, these are not questions that can be answered overnight. It will take time and commitment, and we will face obstacles and challenges along the way. However, we are prepared to uncover the truth and look forward to watching the story unfold. We will follow the news, research the past and theorize about The Two Schools (more on this in later blogs).

We invite you to join us as we process our findings and our feelings.

Walking With Joaquin

"Walking With Joaquin," a daily stroll.

I was recently catching up on the latest Joaquin Literature, and came across this incredulous article harassing our star. "He's Just Insecure," it croons, as if Joaquin is putting on some "self-centered cynical performance" for the media in order to cover up his deep-seeded vulnerability.

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11707110 (link to the article mentioned above).

I loath to think this could be the case. But is Joaquin 'crazy' like many skeptical bloggists and interweb dilettantes are claiming he is? Damn straight he's crazy...crazy-precocious that is! That's right (look it up in the dictionary!), precocious. He has far advanced all his other acting buddies and stepped into the new arena of method acting in which he is actually becoming the character of actor-turned-hip hop star. This is the role of a lifetime...literally, because this is his life now. Whoa. I cannot wait for this movie, that he is currently getting into character for, to come to theaters near me!! He is sooo going to win a Golden globe for this. Or a Grammy, whichever one seems most appropriate. Maybe an MTV Teen Choice Award, or was it Music Video Award? Doesn't matter, he'll win them all!

And to end this 'stroll' with a good mental stretch (because stretching after you doing anything is always important in order to prevent injury)...a daily quote from Joaquin:

“No, but I feel it. I'm not worried about the looks. I'm worried about the sensation of my brain being eaten. ... What did you ask me?” -JP


-Bean

The Clip That Started It All

This is the beginning of the watch. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuO75_hJgCQ

We love you all, and we all are excited you are joining our journey.

A, K, C and J.