Phoenix, who previously embodied the character of "Arthur Fleck" in 'Joker', has been seen adopting a dramatically thinner physique for the sequel. In the upcoming film, he will reprise his role alongside Lady Gaga, who will portray "Harley Quinn". This shift in his appearance is a testament to the dedication he has towards his craft and the intensity of the role he is preparing for.
- Joaquin Phoenix has opened up on weight loss
- He has shed many pounds to play "Arthur Fleck"
- It's not something he will do again
Joaquin isn't keen on reliving this
As Phoenix told reporters in the press room, "I’m not going to talk through specifics of the diet ... but this time it felt a bit more complicated just because there was so much dance rehearsal that we were doing, which I didn’t have last time."
And while he did it in a "safe" way, the Oscar winner added, "I’m now 49; I probably shouldn’t do this again. This is probably it for me." He also said that Gaga, 38, "lost a lot of weight" for the movie, to which she replied, "We transformed into our characters over a period of time, and we continued to hone in [on] every kind of detail.
Joaquin Phoenix’s commitment to his characters is both profound and palpable, as evidenced by his transformative approach to each role he undertakes.
Known for his immersive acting style, Phoenix often goes to extraordinary lengths to embody his characters fully like in his preparation involves not just physical changes but also deep emotional and psychological engagement. His recent dramatic weight loss for 'Joker: Folie à Deux' underscores his dedication, as he tailored his diet and lifestyle specifically to align with the demanding nature of his role as "Arthur Fleck". This level of commitment speaks volumes about his willingness to push boundaries and fully inhabit the personas he portrays.
The diet and physical regimen that Phoenix has followed for this transformation were meticulously planned to align with the demands of his character in the sequel. It’s clear that the physical changes are not just about aesthetics but are deeply intertwined with his approach to the role and the story’s narrative.
Phoenix said later of his weight loss for the first film, "I know I was responsible last time for talking about it quite a bit, because it's difficult to do, so it becomes your obsession because you’re working through and trying to get to a certain weight."
"So then you can't help but talk about it, and then it just sounds like an actor going on and on about how much weight they lost," he continued. "By the end of that run, I was so sick of myself and angry at myself for making such a thing of it, because you just do what you're f---ing supposed to do. ... So this time, I was like, 'I’m not going to do that.' "
“Arthur clearly is not a criminal mastermind. He was never that,” director Todd Phillips explained. The troubled character "has become this symbol to people. This unwilling, unwitting symbol now paying for the crimes of the first film, but at the same time finding the only thing he ever wanted, which was love."
"That’s always what he’s been about, even though he’s been pushed and pulled in all these directions. So we tried to just make the most pure version of that."
Phoenix's dedication extends beyond mere physical alterations; it encompasses a rigorous exploration of the inner lives of his characters. His performances are marked by a rare intensity and authenticity, achieved through extensive research and personal sacrifice.
This dedication often results in transformative and memorable portrayals that resonate deeply with audiences. By embracing such extreme measures, Phoenix exemplifies how an actor’s devotion to their craft can lead to profoundly impactful and critically acclaimed performances.
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The madness begins!
'Joker 2': Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga Ignite In New Trailer
Trailer drops April 9!
'Joker: Folie à Deux'
His commitment to his role in 'Joker: Folie à Deux' reflects his exceptional dedication to his craft and his ability to immerse himself fully into his characters. His appearance at the Venice Film Festival served as a striking reminder of the lengths actors often go to in order to bring their characters to life.
