It’s only been a little over a year since we first reported that Joaquin Phoenix was preparing to return to “serious” acting in the latest Paul Thomas Anderson project — the rumored anti-Scientology film also starring Philip Seymour Hoffman that is now known by its proper name, The Master. If all goes as planned, then Anderson will probably end up reinvigorating Joaquin’s career after a few years of willful douchiness. Remember back in 2009 when he looked like this?
Poor Casey Affleck’s bank account will never be the same after he collaborated with Joaquin on their coke-snorting, hooker-hiring, faux documentary, I’m Still Here. Whatever happened to Casey? He’s been in a few indie movies since directing (and financing) Joaquin doing a poor imitation of Andy Kaufman, and now Joaquin himself is poised to make a comeback. Just check out his face (!) in the trailer for The Master below:
This trailer gives me the same creepy feeling of impending dread that I felt while watching There Will Be Blood and Magnolia. The movie is set in the 1950s and revolves around a disciple of a faith-based organization that is pretty much Scientology in its infancy. I suspect that a lot of people who watch the trailer aren’t picking up on the CO$ vibes, but they’re definitely hidden in there quite nicely. Of course PTA isn’t dumb enough to actually make a movie that simply shouts, “Hey, this is about Scientology!” Yet I’ll bet some of you who’ve done extensive reading on the cult will know what I’m talking about without me getting all pedantic about the details.
Certainly, Paul Thomas Anderson has geared this movie to focus upon his own views of religion in general, which he’s made no secret of in the past. Even for those who aren’t completely into the subject matter, it’s sure to be a compelling film. PTA, who is a true auteur in every sense of the word, even shot this thing on on 65 mm film, which is basically unheard of these days. For the curious, Blackbook has some behind the scenes photos of several of the movie’s supporting players, and here are some peeks at the gorgeous set on Mare Island, California.
Now back to the trailer: does Joaquin Phoenix bring it after years of Unabomber-esque ridiculousness, or is he past redemption? Not everyone loves a comeback kid, but I think Joaquin will do just fine (great even) in The Master.
Screencaps courtesy of YouTube; photo of Joaquin in 2009 courtesy of WENN
Please please please let this be a comeback for Joaquin Phoenix! Faux documentary aside, he is a very good actor.
I’ll be watching The Master when it comes out. I will watch anything with Philip Seymour Hoffman in it.
Fret not, my dear. I’ve watched this trailer in three websites and, even though it lasts less than 2 minutes, there were people already talking about awards (for him, Phoenix).
As well they should Eve. As well they should. Two minutes and I was blown away. He first came on my radar in To Die For and I’ve been a fan ever since. Even during the mess that was “I’m Still Here.” Anyway, can you recommend some earlier movies of his that I can check out?
Have you seen every single movie he was in AFTER “To Die For”? Before that, he was in small/TV movies (as Leaf Phoenix). I’d recommend “Parenthood” — it’s an awesome comedy with Steve Martin and you have the chance to see a very very young Joaquin already being his usual “intense” self.
After “To Die For”, well…you should watch all of them. I recommend these though:
The Yards;
Quills (if you’ve already seen it, watch it again);
Inventing the Abbotts (with his then girlfriend Liv Tyler);
Return to Paradise (very sad);
And definitely (really, you HAVE to see this one): Reservation Road. His performance in this movie floored me.
P.S.: I’d also suggest Brother Bear — it’s a Disney animated movie (he voices the main character Kenai, the boy who’s transformed into a bear as punishment for being immature). Just his voice…and I cried.
I agree, I think he is a truly talented actor. I’m so seeing “The Master”.
Let’s hope his “year off” is over for good. We need him in many, many, many films.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is bomb beyond belief. One of the few actors that I (like you) will watch anything that he’s in. He brings so much heart to every role he plays.
God, this cast is going to be phenomenal together…
No kidding! This trailer has me hook, line & sinker! This will be a not missing it IN THE THEATER movie. The trailer was creepy and captivating, in equal measure~
Sign me up for the Joaquin Phoenix Comeback Cheer Squad. He’s not “traditionally” hot, but I find him oh so smexy. Now can we put a stamp of approval on Colin Farrell’s comeback?
I really do hope Joaquim is back as an actor, not a rapper.
I truly missed that disturbing yet endearing patricide freak in Gladiator, and I really cannot wait to see The Master.
As for Casey, I think he depends a lot on his brother Ben. Hasn’t he been cast in most of the movies Ben had directed so far?
Yeah, he was killer as Commodus!
He’s going be be amazing in the movie I think. Even with the little amount we see in the trailer, his talent is undeniable.
Also, apparently PTA screened the movie for Tom Cruise who said he “had issues” with the film, so hopefully it will be pretty harsh against scientology.
http://www.slashfilm.com/paul-thomas-anderson-screened-scientologyinspired-master-tom-cruise/
Well if Tom Cruise got a little butt-hurt over the movie’s content… then it is probably a great film.
Don’t change a thing PTA!
This will be Joaquin’s comeback, he may be a bit of a douche but has always been an awesome actor..
I cannot figure out who he reminds me of in this clip though, it’s going to annoy me all day..
Gary Busey?
ha! entirely possible..
also since reading this post LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” is playing on constant loop in my head..
He reminded me of Cameron Diaz’s ex, Matt Dillon.
@ Maguita
my guy said the exact same thing when I made him watch the trailer, I can definitely see it-it’s the lip right?
@marie, rather the greenish eyes, coupled with the black hair, and wide crooked mouth.
It’s like Matt Dillon, but very tortured, or high on Meth.
He looks like Jonny Lee Miller
He reminds me of Brando in this trailer. And that is not a comparison I would toss around lightly. Gave me shivers – looks great.
He reminds me of Justin Theroux.
*bitchslaps Bluehare*
Yyeaaah, I’m taking those gloves away @Eve. You’ve been bitch-slapping left and right indiscriminately of late. An abuse of power of sorts.
You need to start throwing some hugs and kisses to bring balance to the universe.
*Hugs* I’m doing this for your own good here Eve. Trust me. 😉
It was a bare hand bitchslap. I already returned your gloves.
P.S.: I’m on my way to watch The Avengers for the third time (heee!!!), maybe I’ll calm the f*ck down after that. But she’d (Bluehare) better not compare Phoenix with Theroux again.
*humpf*
Bye for now, everybody — cut to everybody here breathing a sigh of relief (me: how dare you!)
Sorry, he reminds me of Theroux. It’s the eyebrows and eyes.
Bitchslap all you want. I don’t care. My father’s dying, my sense of humor is nonexistence and I don’t care what you think.
I’m so sorry bluhare for your father!
Anything we can do… to give you a break?
Dirty jokes, silly jokes, sad-sob stories? Let me know chica!
Thank you, Maguita. That’s very nice of you. I’m just sitting here trying to keep myself occupied with nothing.
I probably deserved the bitchslap but I still think he looks a bit like him, and I even like Joaquin.
Okay, @bluhare, I’m going to try and make you… giggle/snort at me. And keep you occupied.
Silly “joke” #1
Hey, Bluhare! Did you know???
There is a new NASAL Viagra on the market…
…
Yeah,
It’s for Dickheads.
————————
Yeah, I am the one very much deserving of the bitch slap now.
Maguita: You got a smile for that one. Love a bad joke!
Thank you.
Well all righty then!
Here comes another batch of bad silly ones (men, please cover your ears, or rather, cover your eyes)
1 – Ben was setting his friend Anthony up for a blind date with his friend Susan “If she’s ugly just pretend to have an asthma attack” said Ben. Anthony went to pick up Susan at her house and was stunned at how gorgeous she was. Then Susan started going “AUUGGHHHH!”
2- Why do men like love at first sight?
It saves them a lot of time.
What should you give a man who has everything?
A. A woman to show him how to work it.
B. Penicillin
Why do black widow spiders kill their males after mating?
To stop the snoring before it starts.
Why don’t men have mid-life crises?
They stay stuck in adolescence.
How does a man show he’s planning for the Future?
He buys two cases of beer instead of one.
How was Colonel Sanders a typical male?
All he cared about were legs, breasts, and thighs.
How is being at a singles bar different from going to the circus?
At the circus the clowns don’t talk.
Why do men chase women they have no intention of marrying?
For the same reason dogs chase cars they have no intention of driving.
Why are husbands like lawn mowers?
They’re hard to get started, emit foul odors, and don’t work half time.
Why is sleeping with a man like a soap opera?
Just when it’s getting interesting, they’re finished until next time.
Why are blonde jokes so short?
So men can remember them.
What do you call a man with half a brain?
Gifted.
What did God say after creating man?
I can do better.
Husband: Want a quickie?
Wife: As opposed to what?
What do you have when you have two little balls in your hand?
A man’s undivided attention.
If men got pregnant…. abortion would be available in
convenience stores and drive-through windows.
Why do men name their penises?
Because they want to be on a first-name basis with the one who makes all their decisions.
Why is it so hard for women to find men that are sensitive, caring, and good-looking?
Because they already have boyfriends.
Husband: I don’t know why you wear a bra; you’ve got nothing to put in it.
Wife: You wear briefs, don’t you?
AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE, in relation to today’s virginity thread
—————————-
Why do men want to marry virgins?
They can’t stand criticism.
——————————-
My thoughts are with you bluhare in these difficult times. Keep us posted.
Bitchslap all you want. I don’t care. My father’s dying, my sense of humor is nonexistence and I don’t care what you think.
@ Bluhare:
That was a joke — there is no actual hostility when I bitchslap felow celebitches here. I’m sorry it didn’t come across that way.
Dermot Mulroney!
Dermot Mulroney it is!! I have always confused these two. Mulroney is hot and so is Joaquin, in a creepy way though.
Willam dafoe maybe?
I think this movie will do exceedingly well. I really dismissed Phoenix’s behavior as being a drug-fueled, destructive time in his life. I hope he is able to dust himself off, he absolutely can IMO
Now back to the trailer: does Joaquin Phoenix bring it after years of Unabomber-esque ridiculousness, or is he past redemption?
Argh!, I feel like totally bitchslapping you for even asking this.
Joaquin ALWAYS brings it. Always. The man is brilliant. Even when he did that mockumentary, there were people who actually bought that he was giving up his acting career and starting a new one as a rapper. Even I wasn’t sure — I’m a natural born cynic, but for a moment I thought he might have lost it.
P.S.: He fooled a lot of people and I have the feeling he’s been “grounded” for that — some of the people who thought that schtick was for real (or at least didn’t get it was a joke) were people in the (movie) business…and they didn’t like being played.
We actually enjoyed “I’m still here”. He was soooo hot in the scene before he gets all fat where he’s out of his skull filmed in the sunshine with a hot pair of shades on.
Also, we loved his “assistant”. Do you know if that was really his assistant or an actor?
I haven’t seen it yet (I told here I was waiting for him to “come back” so I can sit and watch “I’m still here”) but my theory is that everybody was in on the joke — even if they were his actual assistants, they knew…I mean, they had to — I don’t think Affleck/Phoenix would risk a lawsuit (a disgruntled assistant could have sued them for that if he/she didn’t know what was going on, right?).
I think you’d love it. It’s really pretty funny.
Whatcha think about my “chemistry” comment below? Am I right?
I think I will (love it). As I said, he has never disappointed me, don’t think he ever will.
By the way, I answered your question (below) — or at least I tried to 🙂 .
Let me know when you do!
He’s such a good actor!… one of my favorites.
Ooooo I’ve got shivers! This looks really good, i’m totally sold. I’m a life long JP fan ever since To Die For, i never lost faith. He’s really starting to remind me of Willem Defoe – anyone else get that vibe?
Every time I see him I think of his famous cracked-out quote….”Is there a frog in my hair?”
Same here. He finished that line with “….because there is something crawling out of my scalp”. This Master thing looks like the perfect role for him – not much of a stretch.
Can’t wait! Looks stunning, superbly acted and that score from Jonny Greenwood, count me in.
Now THAT is how you do a teaser/trailer. I would pay pretty much anything right now to get my eyes on this film. First time I’ve been excited to go to the full-priced theatre in a loooong time.
I too hope it’s a comeback. I used to love him before the whole fiasco and now I just feel sad looking at him. The trailer is really creepy and promising.
i’m amazed. whatever his offscreen life is, he’s like a different beast onscreen.
he’s like one of those quintessential tortured actor. can’t do anything right offscreen. can’t do anything wrong when on it.
can’t do anything right offscreen. can’t do anything wrong when on it.
Oh, come on…he’s an animal rights activist. That’s a good/right thing in my book 🙂 .
But I agree with the second part. His acting is superb — he has yet to disappoint me.
Same as Sean Penn!
He is the most awesome actor of his generation. It will be easy for him to regain goodwill in HWood if he behaves himself and sorta plays the game.
One thing that I’ve noticed, however, is that he seems to have much better chemistry with certain actresses than with others. In “Walk the Line” I thought he actually had better chemistry with GG than Reece. In the intimate scenes with Reece it seemed a little forced but in that kitchen scene with GG it was very raw and real.
Also in 2 lovers he had better chemistry with Vinessa Shaw than with the Goopster. I thought Goopy was pretty good in this but Shaw was even better. Shaw was sexier than Goop imo even though she was supposed to have been the boring one.
I honestly don’t know…I think his chemistry with pretty much anyone else (male of female) is always spot on. Even Eva Mendes, for crying out loud! And she’s terrible!
It’s him, it’s always him who is amazing. think whatever happens when he’s acting along with a certain actress is intentional. If you have the feeling there’s something off with some of them, I blame it on the actresses 🙂 . Makes sense? Or maybe I’m so captivated by his performance I don’t pay enough attention to anyone else around him…it’s like he hynotizes me.
By the way, I particularly loved him with Jennifer Connelly (who I don’t think is an amazing actress, just reasonably good) in “Reservation Road”, another movie HE should have been nominated for. Also liked him with Kate Winslet in “Quills” and Charlize Theron in “The Yards”.
P.S.: I’m biased to talk about Witherspoon because she annoys me sometimes — but she’s quite good in “Walk the Line”.
That opening scene of “We own the Night” with Mendes…good lord have mercy!!
My brother sent this trailer to me last night and I literally watched it 8 times. BRILLIANT trailer and I am so happy to see Joaquin Phoenix back! He might be a bit of a douche but he is SO talented! And Paul Thomas Anderson is one of my favorites-so effin’ excited for this movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Say, are you excited about this movie? 😉
Can’t wait either. Especially with the cult aspect of it. Although the trailer, had a bit of Jason Bourne Identity-esque feel to it.
I was scaring myself with how excited I was after I watched the trailer. I stopped short of jumping up and down on my bed but… 🙂
The trailer definitely had that ambiguous, suspenseful feel of a Bourne trailer but done with such subtlety/artistry.
Gah! I just hope this isn’t a case of AWESOME trailer/bad movie. But with all the talent involved I can’t see that being the situation.
Fingers crossed it delivers on the promise 🙂
“Paul Thomas Anderson is one of my favorites-so effin’ excited for this movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
THIS I love his movies so much, so allow me to add a few more !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!s
!!!!!!!!! He’s AWESOME!! Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love, There Will Be Blood!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He really is such a good actor. This trailer made me squirm, I was a little uncomfortable watching it.
can’t wait. really creepy trailer.
Love me some Joaquin! It’s been too long…
he’s always a great actor
totally off the subject.. but I still always wonder why he continues to deny that he had a cleft pallet so obvi
I really do hope this is a comeback, I actually love his acting.
I love Phillip Seymour too.
I’m ignoring the crazy stage he went through and trying to forget it existed.
I can’t stop watching this trailer. His facial nuances are unbelievable. I am creeped out to my core.
Ho-leeeee sh*t! He’s one of the few (PS Hoffman, Penn, Downey, Jr included) who just make it look effortless. Unreal.
Goosebumps!
Wow!
I can’t wait to watch this movie. He never ceases to amaze me.
I wouldn’t call it a comeback because he hasn’t done anything since the whole “I’m Still Here” debacle.
He’s so amazing!
LOVE him in walk the line. i watch it whenever its on tv.
Oh, this looks so good and creepy. Is he being “audited” in this clip?
It’s so good to see him back in the spotlight. I think he’s a wonderful actor. He looks good too!
I can’t reply to you upthread but thanks Eve. Of the movies you’ve mentioned I’ve only seen Inventing the Abbotts and Brother Bear. Looks like I’ve got some downloading to do. I don’t get Netflix where I live. 🙂
@ I Choose Me:
Oh, now I have to recommend “8mm”, “Ladder 49” and “We Own The Night”.
He’s amazing in all of them.
I don’t know why everyone got their knickers in a twist over his faux doc – he fooled people – which means he’s good at what he does – BFD. Sasha Baron Cohen made his career off of that kind of schtick. It was funny when he did it to regular people but when the mirror was turned on the industry it wasn’t so funny.
When everyone was made a big deal about Joaquin going down the rabbit hole I just didn’t think it was that big an ordeal. I actually kind of thought it was clever when they had the big reveal. It just proves that media (and therefore the rest of us) can be manipulated and facts have very little to do with image.
WOOHOO!
post of the day, IMO. I can’t believe no one else commented on this.
You are RIGHT ON!!!
I did (upthread — comment # 6).
I’ve been a fan of Joaquin for ages. Even though it was a massive trolling, I’m Still Here was utterly painful to watch, and I went off him, a lot. I hope he makes a massive comeback and gets the Oscar he deserves. I think I like Fassbender so much cos he reminds me of Joaquin, same quirky looks and intensity.
Joaquin has always been an amazing actor and this looks like another one of his brilliant movie roles, he just needs to stay away from casey affleck and his crazy ideas.
Oh golly gosh. I LOVE Joaquin. You just know how hot he’d be in bed. Or out of it.
Imagine sitting at your kitchen table, drinking a glass of wine with him. Or eating a bowl of spaghetti. The man has so much sensitivity, nuance, understanding it’s almost as if doing normal everyday stuff would turn into some sort of eroticism…
OR IS THAT JUST ME?! ; )
Joaquin, I know there’s no possibility that you’d be reading this (and thats why I love you so much) but I’m here to tell you that you are the hottest man alive. Scouts honour.
Not just you! I find him very hot, and he’s just getting better with age, lots more character in the face. And those eyes, so vulnerable and intense at the same time. Love him.
LOL, Snowpea! You’re so funny. You’re also right on!
Loved him in Clay Pigeons.
ditto
I never thought Joaquin’s acting rep was tarnished, only his personal one.
Man, he is just SOOO good. I love him. A lot.
Definite Oscar material in a mere 2 minute clip. Its east to forget Joaquin is one of our best actors. You see him onscreen and then you remember he’s one of great actors. Love Paul Thomas Anderson, plus Joaquin, can’t wait to see this movie. I think I’ve the trailer at least a dozen times 🙂
Always interested in P.T. Anderson’s next work. I think Jeremy Renner was previously attached to play the role of the drifter, but Phoenix is a good choice for this. Would love to see some footage of Philip Seymoure Hoffman as well as he is ALWAYS darn good in everything he does. I hope PTA next movie will be Inherent Vice with Downey Jr!
Ahhhhh, I love this man, what a great actor…..
I love Joaquin!! He’s so full of f*kery and sexiness I can’t WAIT to see this movie. 🙂
I can’t stop watching this trailer.
That is all.
Oh yes please!! He’s one of the best actors around and my cinephil heart was broken when he said that he wouldn’t do movies anymore… Good to have him back!!!
“I’m Still Here” was genius. It was an prescient blueprint for Charlie Sheen’s “Winning” media blitz. It’s a commentary on the sick relationship between fame and low life journalism. The movie was funny as he!! but managed to showcase vulnerability as well as evoke sympathy. The only thing missing was a sincere love interest for the CHARACTER of Joaquin Phoenix. That would’ve taken the film to the next level.