Key takeaways
-
Phoenix delivers captivating performances in numerous roles, establishing himself as one of cinema’s greatest actors.
-
His portrayal of Theodore Twombly in “Her” showcases his raw talent, connecting with audiences on a deep emotional level.
-
From Emperor Commodus in “Gladiator” to his portrayal of the Joker, Phoenix shows immense range and depth in every role he takes on.
The next release of Joker: Folie à Deux has refocused popular culture’s attention on one of cinema’s most talented actors. Recognized as a dramatic chameleon of the highest order, Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix is considered one of the greatest performers of his generation. His compelling and nuanced performances of a variety of big screen characters have earned him well-deserved recognition.
Although some of his roles have been better received than others throughout his professional career, Phoenix has delivered some of the most memorable performances in recent film history. Whether he’s playing a despotic Roman emperor, a conflicted titan of the music industry, or the maniacal Clown Prince of Crime, Phoeniz has built a reputation as one of the most talented names in cinema. With him soon returning to the role of the Joker, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of his best roles.
5
His
Theodore Twombly
- Directed by: Spike Jonze
- Release year: 2013
It takes a special kind of actor to get an audience invested in a relationship between a lonely introvert and a virtual assistant possessing artificial intelligence, let alone reduce them to emotional puddles when the credits roll. Taking on the role of Theodore Twombly, Phoenix’s turn in 2013 His It is one of their most intimate, raw and moving performances to date. She takes advantage of her excellent chemistry with co-star Scarlett Johansson to produce one of the most praised productions of the 2010s.
Related
Ella, ending explained
In the age of AI, Spike Jonze’s 2013 film has more impact than ever, but how does Her end?
Phoenix captures an incredible range of human emotions throughout a film in which he is often the only visual focus. His powerful performance as Twombly has left audiences smiling, laughing and crying in equal measure since Spike Jonze’s seminal film was released. The Academy’s egregious oversight in not nominating Phoenix for his performance left many viewers stunned.
4
Gladiator
Emperor Commodus
- Directed by: RidleyScott
- Release Year: 2000
The role that earned Phoenix his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, his performance in the historical epic. Gladiator, It is considered one of his best performances to date. Phoenix plays the despotic Roman emperor Commodus, a power-hungry tyrant who seizes power after murdering his father, Marcus Aurelius, in a fit of jealousy. He serves as the living embodiment of smug evil.
Phoenix’s portrayal of Commodus serves as the perfect foil to Russell Crowe’s stoic protagonist, Maximus. As insecure as he is tyrannical, the character in charge of Phoenix is possibly the most irredeemable character he has ever given life to on screen. Despite this, he lost the Oscar to Benicio Del Toro. Still, Commodus remains one of Phoenix’s most praised roles to date, in one of the most acclaimed films of the 2000s.
3
walk the line
Johnny cash
- Directed by: James Mangold
- Release Year: 2005
In 2005, Phoenix received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his moving portrayal of legendary singer-songwriter Johnny Cash in Walk the line. The biopic chronicles Cash’s rise in the music industry, his complex relationships and the struggles caused by his substance abuse.
For this role, Phoenix was tasked with playing an infinitely layered musical titan. He nails every note as Cash, from his appearance to his enigmatic personality. She even does an admirable job with her performance of Cash’s iconic voice. Phoenix’s electric chemistry with her co-star Reese Witherspoon is a sight to behold. For his performance, he took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. However, Phoenix found himself beaten to the Oscar by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman for his role in Hood.
2
the teacher
freddy quell
- Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Release year: 2012
While it may not be his most famous role, Phoenix’s Oscar-nominated performance in the teacher It is one of his best dramatic works. Paul Thomas Anderson’s revered psychological drama tells the story of a war veteran who becomes trapped by a mysterious cult and its charismatic leader. In the film, Phoenix takes on the lead role of Freddie Quell.
Revealing her character’s deepest, darkest secrets in a hauntingly authentic way, Phoenix’s performance is evocative and impressive from start to finish. She captures the audience’s attention every second she appears on screen. The cocktail of vulnerability, desperation and loneliness that Phoenix imbues into her troubled charge is a performance of the highest order. Despite losing the Oscar to Daniel Day Lewis for his role in lincolnPhoenix’s work in the teacher It stands as one of the most impressive dramatic performances of the 21st century.
1
Joker
Arthur Fleck / The Joker
- Directed by: Todd Phillips
- Release year: 2019
It seemed impossible that anyone could ever rival the late Heath Ledger’s immortal version of the legendary Batman villain, the Joker. And it can be reductive to compare the two performances given the different nature of their original films and the respective actors’ unique interpretations of the character. However, Joaquin Phoenix produced one of the most praised turns in recent memory as Arthur Fleck in 2019. Joker.