As usual in Hollywood, there are always controversies with its celebrities, in this case with the actor Joaquin Phoenixwho made the risky decision to withdraw from a project just five days before filming begins.
The ambitious project that would be part of was a explicit gay romancefrom the hand of the screenwriter and film director, Todd Haynes. However, The actor from “Jocker” abruptly He backed out and walked off the set without giving any explanation. But, as gossip spreads like wildfire, a source told Variety that Phoenix “got cold feet.”
The production, for its part, was left with its hands tied since they do not have a replacement for his character, and they even had the entire set set up to begin filming in Mexico. This has been branded by the international media as a “lack of professionalism” on the part of the Oscar winner, who has made a career in the seventh art with major film productions.
Strong response
The producer of the film, Christine Vachondid not remain silent in the face of the snub and expressed her frustration through a post on Facebook, which was later made private.
“It was a nightmare. If I haven’t been in touch or returned your call, this is why (…) and please, if you’re tempted to point fingers at us or berate us by saying ‘that’s what happens when you cast a straight actor,’ don’t do it”he added.
Why did he retire?
Joaquin Phoenixwas the key element for the financing of the film due to its relevance and influence in the industry, and was also the main star of this feature film. For its part, speculations surrounding His departure is due to the multiple sexual scenes in the script with another man which triggered his retirement.
However, this idea contrasts with what was said by the team who claim that the actor himself gave the idea of exploring a more explicit representation of sexuality on screen.
Todd Hayneswho had defended the need to show sexual content in a graphic and open manner, previously stated: “Joaquin was the one who pushed me to go further and said ‘No, we’re going to go further’. This is going to be an NC-17 film.”he commented during an interview with “Variety” magazine.
