Joaquin Phoenix apologises for “uncomfortable” David Letterman interview
While appearing as the guest of honour on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, actor Joaquin Phoenix looked back at his infamously awkward 2009 interview with David Letterman.
Phoenix had arrived on Letterman’s Late Show in character for his upcoming mockumentary I’m Still Here, which documented his life after an announcement that he was retiring from acting to pursue hip-hop. Though it was all a spoof, the interview made many people worry about the mental state of the Oscar winner.
Phoenix shed more light on the strange event, announcing that he did warn Letterman’s team beforehand. He said, “When I came on this show with Dave, I originally did the pre-interview in character and I realized that it was just a little silly.”
As a result, Phoenix called them back and said, “Listen, this is what I’m doing. I’m coming out here and I’m doing this whole thing. And I just want Dave to like, lacerate me. I just want it to be really dangerous.”
Phoenix added, “That was the kind of intention — I just always wanted to get this reaction and see how I would respond to that. So it was beneficial for no one to know, except when needed.”
The interview was used in the mockumentary, but Phoenix seemed to suggest the footage wasn’t worth the discomfort. He called it “horrible” and added, “It was so uncomfortable. I regret it, I’ll never do it again. I’m so sorry.”
Phoenix then concluded: “It was strange because in some ways, it was a success, and it was also just one of the worst nights of my life.”
The actor will next appear in Ari Aster’s new project, Eddington, as a sheriff and a mayoral candidate going head-to-head with Ted Garcia, played by Pedro Pascal. Emma Stone also stars.
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