Joaquin Phoenix: Fake Or For Real

• 16th Mar 2009

I'm not quite sure why I haven't touched on this story before, but I've only just really started appreciating the genius of it. The Joaquin Phoenix 'actor turned rapper' topic of discussion has been going on for a while now, with news stories a go- go about Joaquin's latest antics. So, after a little mooch around the evidence I've decided it's a glorious hoax, reminiscent of Andy Kaufman's alter ego Tony Clifton.

Around mid October 2008 Joaquin Phoenix announced that he was turning his back on acting, declaring that his last film would be 'Too Lovers' with Gwyneth Paltrow. After this he would concentrate on his Hip Hop career. It's anyone's guess as to whether it is a hoax or not, in the words of Lloyd Grossman “let's take a look at the evidence”…

Andy Kaufman appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman whilst in his wrestling phase. During the show Kaufman blasted everyone with a tirade of abuse and ended up getting slapped by fellow guest Jerry Lawler. As we now know this was part of a series of hoaxes devised by Kaufman throughout his career. Fast forward to February 2009 and Joaquin Phoenix is on the Late Show with David Letterman putting in what seems to be a contrived performance. As we can see from the Andy Kaufman incident David Letterman isn't opposed to having 'set-ups' for comedic affect. In the Kaufman sketch Letterman says “Andy Kaufman is here sort of…” and uses a similar turn of phrase in regards to Joaquin's performance saying: “Joaquin, I’m sorry you couldn’t be here tonight.” Watching the Letterman clip it’s clear his appearance on the show could not be more staged. Joaquin looks like he’s going to start laughing himself at certain points.

Also, Kaufman had a number of characters which he brought to life. One of which being the obnoxious lounge singer Tony Clifton. Claiming Tony Clifton was real Kaufman would sometimes have his brother or Bob Zmuda play Clifton. This allowed both Andy Kaufman and his alter ego Tony Clifton to appear together. Giving the impression Clifton was more than a mere creation.

So, if you’re going to pull off a stunt like this you probably do need a right hand man to help fan the illusion. Who is Joaquin's partner in crime? None other than his trusty friend and brother in law Casey Affleck, who is often seen documenting Joaquin's transition from actor to hip hop star on camera.

Both Joaquin and Kaufman go from acting to creating a alter ego who is music based. Both change their appearance to the opposite of their own. Normally they would be clean shaven, well presented men. For their alter egos they transform into grotesque obnoxious characters. Also, Clifton's performances were often a shambles, with him getting boo-ed off stage, causing trouble and being generally abusive. Low and behold Joaquin has managed to fall off stage, get boo-ed by audiences and jumped into the crowd after hecklers.

Furthermore, a video on tube has Peter Coffin doing a skit about the Joaquin situation. In the video he dresses as Joaquin and does a fake rap, singing the line “I'm way to consistent to be on coke”. It's true, the whole Joaquin scenario is far too strategic – it has to be a hoax. Remember, Joaquin is an actor after all. The only other option is that he is serious!! I certainly don't for one second believe he's gone mental or doing drugs. If he was surely Casey Affleck would be getting some help for him as opposed to following him round with a camera filming it all.

All in all I think Joaquin has just watched the Andy Kaufman biopic ‘Man On The Moon' one too many times. It looks like he's decided to have a bit of fun with the media and simultaneously create a barrage of press for himself. Obviously, Andy Kaufman was in a league of his own. But, I have to say Joaquin’s coming in a pretty close second with his act.

So, what treats do we have on the site this week? Well, there are interviews with Templeton Pek, Heavenly Creatures and John Dahlback. We have live reviews from Metallica, Cargo Kult Band and many more. As always there are news, reviews and as a special treat we have B.P.A (Norman Cook's latest project)albums to give away. This week's featured artist is Rogues. Rogues have been championed by the likes of Zane Lowe and Steve Lamacq. They released their single 'Not So Pretty' on the 16 March, the accompanying video is also on the site for you to check out.

If it's gigs you're looking for check out this little lot…

Official Secrets Act play Manchester on 26th March. Welsh wonderboys Goldie Lookin Chain play Glasswerk's clubnight 'Revelry' in Reading on 31st March. The Anomalies play Manchester on the 4th April and London on the 14th. Polly Scattergood is in Manchester on the 14th Aprill. Finally, Them Is Me appear in Manchester on the 8th April.