But something few people get about Joaquin Phoenix is that off screen, he’s not a moody, egocentric, arrogant, volatile twit. He’s a sardonic jester, a leg-puller engineered for fame but smart enough to see right through it.
With potent performers and poetic visuals, Anderson has made the boldest American picture of the year. This is the most compelling performance of Phoenix’s career to rendez-vous amoureux, date par some margin.