'A fabulous find' - Discovering the Joaquin Phoenix's outstanding talent in C'mon C’mon
The Joaquin Phoenix we know is far from the Joker character as he stuns in Mike Mill's "C'mon C'mon," revealing a softer side of the actor we rarely see. A true Oscar contender in his own right.
Updated : October 20, 2023 05:26 PM ISTThe Joaquin Phoenix we know is far from the Joker character as he stuns in Mike Mill's "C'mon C'mon," revealing a softer side of the actor we rarely see. A true Oscar contender in his own right.
Joaquin Phoenix (Source: Digital Spy)
Reflecting back on the superb acting journey of Joaquin Phoenix, his role in Mike Mill's stirring drama, "C'mon C'mon," stands out. Phoenix, renowned for his unpredictably intricate performances, took a leap, landing in a character far removed from his Oscar-winning turn as Joker. As reported by Variety back in January 2022, Mills commented, "I think Joaquin is an incredibly smart and multiple-layered person, who will always be surprising."
Delving into the Depth of 'C'mon C'mon'
"C'mon C'mon," a poignant black-and-white tale, offered Phoenix the chance to portray Johnny, a radio journalist. Alongside his zealous nephew Jesse, played by the noteworthy newcomer, Woody Norman, they embark on an introspective cross-country trip. Unveiling layers of life, love, and personal demons, their journey becomes a riveting saga.
It was Phoenix's magnetism and multifaceted persona that played a major role in the film's brilliance. Mills took a dive, not into the celebrity persona of the Oscar-winning actor, but into the human Phoenix. "I was trying to talk to that person and no one else," Mills had said. "That person is soft and a human on planet Earth." The movie became a testament to Phoenix's incredible range, shedding his Joker persona to deliver a performance that touched the heart and soul.
An Oscar-Worthy Performance by Joaquin Phoenix
Just two years after Phoenix's menacing turn as the Joker earned him an Oscar, "C'mon C'mon" topped his impressive filmography. With four nominations under his belt, Phoenix delivered a performance that deserved to stand out in a packed Oscar race.
His on-screen chemistry with Norman was indeed commendable. Norman's whimsical deliveries and emotional beats were a fabulous discovery. Drawing parallels with the likes of British talent Freddie Highmore from "Finding Neverland," he was hailed as a true thespian.
While reminiscing about this past cinematic gem, it's clear that Joaquin Phoenix's role in "C'mon C'mon" is a powerful testament to his range as an actor. His transformation from a daunting Joker to a gentle radio journalist was nothing short of remarkable, reminding us once again why Phoenix is considered one of the best actors of his generation.
(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)