On the set of Joker, director Todd Phillips navigated a clash between two actors with opposing professional methods. Robert De Niro, a well-established figure in Hollywood, requested a standard script read-through with the cast before filming began. Joaquin Phoenix, the film’s star, outright refused the practice.
Phillips found himself mediating the conflict, which he later described to Vanity Fair. The director was caught between De Niro’s traditional expectations and Phoenix’s unconventional approach, setting a unique tone for the production from the beginning.
Bob called me, and he goes, ‘Tell him he’s an actor and he’s got to be there, I like to hear the whole movie, and we’re going to all get in a room and just read it.’ And I’m in between a rock and a hard place because Joaquin’s like, ‘There’s no f way I’m doing a read-through,’ and Bob’s like, ‘I do read-throughs before we shoot, that’s what we do.’
This clash of acting philosophies would set the tone for a production marked by tension, professionalism, and ultimately, creative excellence.
Robert De Niro Has Always Been Joaquin Phoenix’s Favorite Actor
Phoenix’s respect for De Niro is well-documented and deeply personal. He has frequently named De Niro his favorite American actor and a primary influence. To maintain his professional composure on set, Phoenix deliberately minimized their interactions. He explained his reasoning, stating,
I didn’t like to talk to him on set. The first day we said good morning, and beyond that I don’t know that we talked much.
Phoenix was concerned that engaging with his idol would reduce him to a fan. De Niro’s work had already played a critical role in Phoenix’s career. During Phoenix’s first retirement from acting, his brother, River Phoenix, encouraged him to watch De Niro’s performance in Raging Bull.
The film inspired Joaquin to return to his profession. He studied De Niro’s detailed physical acting and behavioral choices, absorbing lessons that would inform his own method.
This influence shaped Phoenix’s entire approach to acting. He admired De Niro’s commitment to staying in character, even when off-camera. Phoenix noted,
He is my favourite American actor. I got the impression from him that he did things in a scene, certain behaviours, certain gestures or movements, whether the camera was on him and registering it or not.
This observation, made while working alongside De Niro in Joker, was a significant milestone for Phoenix.
Joker‘s Phenomenal Worldwide Success Despite Joaquin Phoenix’s Unconventional Acting Methods
The Joker became a massive financial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. It stands as the first R-rated film to cross the billion-dollar threshold. With a production budget of only 55 million dollars, the movie generated a net profit of approximately 437 million dollars, earning about 19 times its initial investment (via Koimoi)
The film performed strongly in both domestic and international markets. It earned $ 335.5 million in North America and $ 743.5 million overseas (via Box Office Mojo). This global reception was remarkable for a dark, psychological character study. Phoenix’s intense preparation for the role was a key factor in its success.
Phoenix lost 52 pounds for the part by adhering to a strict diet of apples, lettuce, and steamed green beans. He said the rapid weight loss helped him assess the character’s mental instability, explaining that it caused him to “go mad.” (via Men’s Health)
Director Todd Phillips observed that Phoenix would sometimes walk away from scenes unexpectedly, which confused other actors, though he never did so during scenes with De Niro. This dedication earned Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor (via IMDb).
Did Phoenix’s unconventional methods or De Niro’s traditional approach impress you more? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Joker is available to stream on HBO Max in the US.
