Her Feature- Joaquin Phoenix

From his first appearance in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Joaquin Phoenix has captivated audiences with his moving and bold performances. From a family of acting talent, Phoenix has made a powerful name for himself in Hollywood. He has moved, startled, and wowed audiences and critics alike in recent years with movies such as Gladiator, Walk The Line, and The Master. In his most recent film, Her, also starring Scarlett Johansson, Phoenix is soulful, playful, yet desperately sad. This unique romantic comedy-drama contemplates the future of human relationships and technology. Here we will take a look at key moments throughout Phoenix’s stellar career.

1982:

As a guest star on his older brother River’s show, Seven Brides for Seven Brother, Phoenix began his acting career at 8 years old with one episode of the popular TV series. He went on to appear on multiple TV shows such as Six Pack, Mr. Smith, Kids Don’t Tell, and Anything for Love.

1986:

Joaquin Phoenix appeared on Alfred Hitchcock Presents as Pagey Fisher. At this time, Phoenix had gone by Leaf Phoenix to match his older sibling’s earthier names, River and Rain. In that same year, Joaquin was cast in the movie, SpaceCamp.

1989:

At 15, Joaquin Phoenix landed his first large role in the comedy Parenthood, starring Steve Martin. It was his final role credited as Leaf Phoenix, and turned out to be his first straight comedy film, and his last. Phoenix played Garry Buckman, Gil Buckman’s (Steve Martins), nephew.

1997:

In the film, U Turn, directed by Oliver Stone, Phoenix acted alongside the likes of Sean Penn, Jennifer Lopez, Nick Nolte, and Claire Danes. In the crime drama thriller, Phoenix played Toby Tucker, one of many psychotic residents in the town of Superior, Arizona. Phoenix began working his way up in the acting world with this film.

1999:

In 8MM as Max California, Phoenix was memorable as a supporting cast member. As California, Phoenix was complex, tortured, and rebellious playing into key traits of his character. Still in his older brother’s shadow, Phoenix was working hard to make a name for himself. Ultimately, 8MM did not do as well as anticipated, however, it was a large stepping stone for Phoenix in advancing his acting career.

2000:

Gladiator is considered one of Phoenix’s greatest films as he played the role of Commodus, the unstable, vile, and incestuous ruler of Rome. Phoenix was at the top of his game in this role and made viewers truly dislike and despise his character as he dethrones his father. His crippling mental state was brought to life by Phoenix. Phoenix received a nomination for the Best Actor in Supporting Role Oscar for his performance.

2001:

In his first lead role, Phoenix played Ray Elwood in Buffalo Soldiers. In this outrageously satirical film, Phoenix played a clever, intelligent specialist who forms a network of black market dealings in Germany just prior to the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Featured with Hollywood talent including Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, and Anna Paquin, Phoenix excelled in this lead role and pushes the envelope in this phenomenal cold war satire.

2004:

In the critically acclaimed film, Hotel Rwanda, Phoenix played the opinionated and logical English journalist, Jack Daglish. Joaquin Phoenix gave a wonderfully emotional performance. Even though he played a small role, it greatly contributed to the film’s success.

2005:

Playing infamous singer Johnny Cash would be no easy feat, yet in the 2005 film, Walk the Line, Phoenix was flawless as the tragic country singer. He and Reese Witherspoon starred in this magnificent biopic in which both received critical acclaim for their performances. Phoenix engrossed himself in his portrayal of Cash, truly giving the performance of a lifetime.

2008:

In another noteworthy performance, Phoenix played the lead role in Two Lovers starring Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Vinessa Shaw. The film revolved around the love life of bachelor Leonard Kraditor and the choice he must make between two women. In this calm and mature romance film, Phoenix was sensitive, troubled, and relatable. This was Phoenix’s third movie with director James Gray and it is easy to see why the two come back to each other when they create a movie such as Two Lovers.

2012:

After a four year hiatus, Phoenix returned to film as Freddy Quell in The Master. Phoenix gave a powerful performance in this brilliant and desperately sad film about a naval officer returning from war with no job or connections who becomes fascinated with a new movement called The Cause. It was an audacious and unique film quite different from the Hollywood standards, but Phoenix’s performance as the troubled and alcoholic Quell was marvellous.

2013:

Critically acclaimed and up for Best Picture at the 2014 Oscars, Her is an American sci-fi romantic comedy-drama starring Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, and Olivia Wilde. Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a lonely divorced writer who develops an unusual relationship with his highly intelligent computer operating system called Samantha. In a modern day love story, Phoenix is soulful, desperate, and playful as Twombly. Her leaves viewers to ponder the state of modern human relationships.

HER IS RELEASED IN THE UK ON FEBRUARY 14