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~
Joaquin Phoenix is laughing, and only he's in on the joke. Enigmatic, mysterious, misunderstood -- Joaquin doesn't care about what's expected of him, and he's led a unique career in Hollywood by following his own path. Before iconic roles in Gladiator, Joker and Her, Phoenix's unconventional upbringing in a controversial religious cult and the loss of his superstar brother River molded the type of artist he'd later become. After the spotlight and scrutiny of the media in his darkest years, Joaquin eventually clawed back at the press in his own way. And this is that story -- of how Joaquin Phoenix has been f***ing with all of us, all along.
~
Script and Edit: Daniel McMahon
Research and Story Producer: Adam Bright
Producer: Jaden Pendegrass
Sound Mixer: Dan Pugsley
Animations: Leon Fucak
~
0:00 - Who is Joaquin Phoenix?
1:00 - He's Filled With Danger
1:46 - Escaping the Children of God
2:56 - The Hollywood Dream
3:45 - An Abnormal Childhood
5:14 - Struggling Against the Dark Side
6:44 - The Character of Joaquin
7:32 - I'll Quit... Again
9:03 - Rising River Phoenix
10:24 - Halloween, 1993
11:53 - Let Me Grieve in Peace
12:41 - A New Joaquin
14:46 - He is Sky High
15:44 - Joaquin, You Suck!
16:14 - I'm Still Here
17:03 - Is Any of This Real?
17:54 - An Embarrassing Outtake
18:33 - It's The Misunderstanding
19:13 - The Moment is Valid
19:33 - The Family that Plays, Stays
20:12 - Ladies and Gents, Joaquin Phoenix
22:03 - In On The Joke
23:42 - December 2023
~
Join the Dodcord: / discord
Twitter: / dannymcmahon
TikTok: / dodford
IG: / dodford
A 2023 Dodford Production.
my personal canon is that having the media swarm Joaquin's home after the death of his brother forged his unorthodox interview personality. He understands what the media and public wants from celebrities. People want to know everything from celebrities' lives to form a parasocial relationship, and he's basically teasing us for it.
Exactly
But it's like, how far should that really go? What's wrong with -most- of the questions that get asked of actors on talk shows? Sometimes interviewers and such do pry far too deeply, yes, but I'd say the majority of most interviews are a fairly innocuous mix of questions about the film, the experience of making the film, and some pieces of how the actor is doing and their general life.
Yes! River was so raw and open all the time it's no wonder Joaquin wants to be the antithesis of that. He keeps us guessing to protect himself.
@@Taimahe probably just resents the media it isn’t necessarily a logical thing his brother died
The fact that Dodford didnt use Joaquins audio for the 911 call is so honorable.
He opened the video with snippet of the call...
I thought the exact same thing. I was so relieved when he didn’t include it.
absolutely. Crazy how such a tiny move can go such a long way.
i said he didnt use Joauquins voice audio in the call. Please read.@@justinhamel9971
The dispatcher is a dick
Dude you're hands down a storytelling beast. Making this entire piece flow together deserves an award. You've made it bro.
this edit is amazing....how long did this take???
Agreed, this was excellent work
Exactly what I thought.
He let's the story tell itself eh
A great story teller showing a great actor
I like how this edit reflects how Joaquin is a bit all over the place and an enigma. Though the story was a bit constant train of thought, it was slightly chaotic, but it works so well haha
you put it into words perfectly how i was thinking, and it shows he mustve worked so hard scripting this thing when editing
Agreed. When it's done well, people usually don't notice how well-sequenced it is, because if that's the case, the editing usually just better showcases the story/content/film itself, and the actual cutting and lettering of audio clips bleeding over other audio and video clips , and vice versa. I remember I had a film teacher day, (in his opinion, only slightly in jest) that If you, "really notice the editing, frame by frame, then either you're a student of film, you're autistic, you're an electronic producer making beats or rap instrumentals, and your ears are pre-tuned, (or both probably lol) ...or maybe you're Amish, and this is the first video you've ever seen----barring those exceptions, if you notice the stories frame by frame sequence work, more open then the story itself, it's almost certain the film editor isn't doing his damn job." Lol. I guess I tend to agree for the most part, "outwardly, if its good editing , it edits itself out good," I'm getting the quote stupidly wrong lol, but some people here probably know the phrase I'm thinking of. Anyway.. great film man!! Well done!
The way you tell the story through his interviews instead of talking yourself is unbelievable incredible, you have basically created a different way to tell stories
I think if you say that you're gonna love other documentaries
Yes, thank God I'm alive during such an age of wonder, where Dodson has created & birthed from his mind.....cinematic storytelling?
so... documentaries?
Haha. What? 😂
im friends with The Dod and he says he was inspired by attack ad election campaigns
Imagine how hard it would be on a set with Joaquin and Jim Carrey
It would be a mindfuck,I assume.
Holy shit. I was so immediately sucked into this as soon as it started. This is one of the best short commentary/short docs/films I’ve ever seen in this sphere. And you know what I noticed after it finished? There’s not even a narrator?! Like, the creators made this rich and beautiful story solely through the use of video and the voices of Joaquin, his family, the news, his movies, etc. and it painted such a strong and captivating narrative that it didn’t even need one. How insane is Dodford?!!! Truly, you are so talented.
really no narrator? If so then wow that's amzing skill/art.
reminded me of crowbcat
I just noticed that too - except for the two mustachios talking. Brilliant!
I especially love how cleverly they use themselves to weave in and out of the story and into the ad so that it’s almost like, you feel a little crazy- moving across so many barriers, what’s that, breaking the 5th wall? It’s insanely clever and smooth af
As hard as he was trying to stay in character, Letterman got a smile out of him with the line “Joaquin I’m sorry you couldn’t be here tonight.” This guys a great actor. He stayed in character throughout that whole period of this farce about him becoming a rapper. Which lasted about a year. How’s that for creating a character and committing to it?
Yeah, he was caught off guard there, lol.
Letterman really shows his professionalism. I guarantee he made it a goal knowing this actor was pulling a stunt I'm going to get him to crack a smile even if just for a second. He has talked to so many people, artists, characters, and his experience is undeniable
@@leestrz4153 Absolutely. Letterman knew it was a put on. He’s a pro who had seen it all. From Andy Kaufman to Brother Theodore. I loved how he got that smile out of Joaquin. You know on the inside Joaquin is thinking, damn this guy is good. And he couldn’t help but crack a smile because it’s a witty line. For my money, Letterman and Carson were the best.
Some comic relief in an uncomfortable situation to the point he laughed doesn't mean he was acting.
@@texrayvision I’m not sure what you’re talking about because his whole segment was acting. He never really quit acting to become a rapper, so the whole thing was a put on to promote his movie. So obviously he’s acting. But Letterman got him to break character for a second.
Never knew how much of his life really matched up with the Joker and how he’s made to play that role. Indeed what an enigma of a person. It does make you think about the price that an actor has to pay in order to bring forth themselves truthfully. Joaquin has so much power in his acting because his shadow is just barely restrained, and like the actor, it’s AUTHENTIC. Really admire his resolve to stay true to himself especially in the day and age where everyone commoditize their identity in order to be liked ala the Kardashians. Breath of fresh air really.
So true!
@@melaniep69643
How has his life matched up with Arthur Flecks?????
@@mandomero5484 haha moreso in their view of society, not actual life events
@@mandomero5484you can see a lot of similarities. Arthur’s life wasn’t so bad either, he had a job, a home, cared for his mother, had a friend. But he was burdened, and his burden made others laugh so a lot of times everyone looked past of who he his just to laugh at him. Joaquin is burdened himself, first to follow brothers footsteps just to end up to fill his shoes, I bet he doesn’t even feel about him being as great as he is. So when he does those stunts a lot of people did truly laugh at him because they couldn’t see past the front face of those stunts and think he’s a weirdo or something. But he always stays committed and pushes boundaries. He doesn’t care that much about single events, more about the bigger picture. He likes to lie because he sees the absurdity in things and sometimes truth, Arthur envisioned things and lived a separate life in his brain. Idk, to me, they do have common characteristics
it’s wild how talk shows are literally the only way he’s interfaced with the public outside of films
it's either that or instagram live or knocking on peoples' doors... that's kinda what talk shows exist for.
not true - he’ll get on SM for animal rights
You are easily the most talented KZhead creator that I'm aware of. The editing is graded A. Jeep doing what you're doing
Holy spamoly!
Keep on jeeping on
why did these replies become a crypto scheme disguised as a conversation? anyone else think that's weird as shit?
@@codyaddison8347lmao yes thats insane
@@codyaddison8347ikr bots are crazy
You know it’s a good day when Dodford does
When he does what
@@smashyrashywhen he does
@@smashyrashy yes
Been waiting a minute I love the way he smashes all these new and old clips mashed up
@@smashyrashy when he does do
I love how you let the footage and interviews speak for itself, really unique style of storytelling yet so intriguing
You can see losing his brother affected him deeply.💔
sacrifice
@@0doggod0 To the Holywood Gods
This edit was beautiful. Told the story without telling any story really. The parallels between who he is and who he plays in films is wild. He is right when he said he isn’t an actor. There are only a few method actors alive still who are at his caliber, he isn’t playing these characters, he is literally becoming them. It’s an entirely different thing than acting in a commercial or play
Nobody does editing and storytelling like you do. Amazing work!
Agreed
The selection of clips, the building narrative, the editing… just brilliant! So sweet to linger on the clip of him and River when they were kids too and emphasize how much he appreciates his family. So well done!
The way Joaquin play the media and entertainment industry is a true class act
always 10 steps ahead
Your videos are absolutely incredible. The way that you basically make mini documentaries by only using footage that you've found with no narration is amazing. Keep it up man, because this type of content is what KZhead needs.
Some of the greatest editing and storytelling I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
I swear these mini-docs are masterpieces. 🙌 Keep up the great work!
At first I checked your videos out of curiosity and even though they're pretty long I couldn't stop myself from watching. The way you present your videos and the quality of your information makes it so entertaining yet very educational. And that "sponsor break" was the most subtle that I have ever seen. I didn't expect to enjoy a sponsor break, I usually skip them right away. But this time it was entertaining. I really like your work and I can't wait to see more. Keep up the good work, you do it so well!
The videos are barely 20 minutes, how is that “pretty long”?! Can you even watch movies with that attention span?
Didn’t want it to end!!! The editing is wonderful ! Thank you for another great piece!
I found your channel about a month ago and with every video I'm blown away with the quality of the storytelling and editing. Just incredible. Keep up the amazing work!
Brilliant editing. No video essay bs, no narration, just one excerpt seamlessly connecting to the next one to tell a complete tale paired up with great visuals and music choice
Nah this is getting out of hand. This is so good. Like its incredible.
Ahaha thank you 🫶
@@DodfordYTyou're a big inspiration man, please never stop
like, its like..
This man IS the joker, that letterman interview is the exact same as that scene in the movie
Y’all are killing it on this channel! super nice to have a way to see clearly into Hollywood with awesome edits
Another masterpiece, man! I love your editing and style, it really feels a true fullform documentary on Netflix or something. Keep up the good work! Always excited to see a new video from you in my KZhead feed
This is the first video of yours I've ever seen of yours THE QUALITY??? Absolutely amazing, grand job 👏🏾
Storyblocks, certainly one of the best integrated ad spots I've ever witnessed. No need to fast forward past it. It seamlessly worked with the overall narrative to the point of being interesting... great job
I’ve never really cared to learn about any celebrity in a deep way since I’ve never wanted to engage in a parasocial relationship knowingly or not. That being said this video literally had me upset when it ended, I can’t put to words rn how interested I was while watching all the way through. Definitely got a sub
An absolute BANGER! Very well done you should be really proud of your work! Love how you included River and went into his roots a bit! Thank you for this! Really hit home 🪙🇨🇦
So thankful for Dodford (and team) for leveling up KZhead. Another smash. Great job!
This mini-documentary is awesome and it really makes me immediately think 2 things. 1.) He was really the only actor suited for the role of the Joker movie he was in (not necessarily every iteration of Joker) and 2.) That movie definitely seemed to have parallelled or at the very least been inspired by some aspects of Joaquin life. Puts the whole movie into a new perspective and honestly I wanna rewatch it then watch all of his movies
Phenomenal my dude. I was stuck to my screen. Keep them coming and i will keep consuming. Definate new sub!! Word!
The amount of time, thought, and creativity that goes into each of these videos is incredible. The ability to find and craft a perspective from the subjects own words (and works) is a unique one, keep creating art. Great work!
you're the first youtuber to ever get me to sit through an ad, i even wanna buy storyblocks LMAOOOo. subscribed.
man your videos never miss, I first found you on TikTok and man it's inspiring to see what you're making now!
Holy shit, I'm speechless. I'll remember this video for a long time... You created a new cinematic language.
As always, your editing and story telling is phenomenal. Keep it up, always look forward to your uploads.
Absolutely LOVING the production quality on these videos!
Glad to hear it!!
4:15 is one of the best ads I've ever seen. I didn't know it was an add until I was already hooked in.
What a great edit!!! He needs to see this
Out of all the edits this one is particularly brilliant. There is something so endearing about Joaquin. It’s like everything is an act, but everything is real all at once. It’s brilliant and weird and chaotic. Just like this video. You nailed it.
Insane video from the starting thumbnail-to-intro transition. Awesome work Dodford
It's rare for a cut in a KZhead video to give you goosebumps, but there it is 12:33! Amazing work!
Great video as always. Never knew much about his public antics, only about his role in joker, so this was an especially fun watch. Can't wait for the Jamie vid!
Just found the channel. The editing, story telling and execution is flawless thank you ❤
You make incredible documentaries, bro. Round of applause, my friend. Another one beautifully done. I love it. x
Such a good video. It's criminal that you don't get at least a million views. I'm gonna share the hell out of this
A masterclass in editing. Really appreciate the work that was put into this!
That montage at the end was really great, awesome editing
You're a real talent. Everyone in this production team is. This is art for the sake of *love*, that's amazing. We're are beholders of true, underground, talent.
Your editing is amazing. This was excellent!
Wow. I loved how you fused River Phoenix into this so nostalgically and poetically only to be reminded of that tragic night at the viper room. It gave me such a strange and sad feeling.
I turned 48 today and I took felt that those same emotions you choose the perfect words to describe the truth of my own emotions in regards to the River here and the other part of my own experiences being a human Gen x with the place in my own history of being in the industry and the Los Angeles of the last years of a century with our brutal tender youth and the hope of another century just out of reach into a future some of us never would have the opportunity to actualize or experience as adults in a different world and I think I should know better now which is more like a mirage to me now that graphic novel style storyboard memory chain or the desaturated static of the world in which I am writing this comment by the light of a warm lonely window in the evening with the sound of a century with new threats and future ghosts and I among them all... Remembering icons, God, not this artist because robot virtual artificial shitheap I sometimes wish I had not survived this long to witness.
Incredible video, so glad I found this page! After rewatching the Letterman interview, it seems like he was prepping for Joker for years. I love Joaquin. He's definitely one of my top favorite actors and every movie I see I love him even more. He's amazing, clever, talented and absolutely adorable 😊
Really very cool little doc with a clever structure. Enjoyed every moment of it. Great work guys.
This is my first time seeing this channel... very well produced and put together.
Best channel on this platform hands down. So refreshing to see such a crazy passionate work ethic in the videos.
Your work inspires me so much the improvements u make with each video when u started and now u have the flow and ur killlling it its amazing to see u grow
love the edit, man. Real artful and deep.
just amazing, definitely set the bar really high in visual storytelling, great work!
This was extremely well made. Thank you for your commitment and passion to your craft.
i'd love to see your process while making these. Amazing job as usual
Excellent sponsor transition , well done 👏the ad itself was fun as well 😂
This is just epic. The storytelling structure emotional drift and over all packaging. And sponsorship skit😂
insane. So crazy the depth of these people that I would have never known about if you didn’t choose to put in the work and push through the no’s. thank you Danny
Damn! The edits are next level!
PHENOMENAL video making!!! BRAVO!!! It never ceases to blow my mind that celebrities, much less anyone, get criticised for what they like or don't like and the media/public obsession with commenting on / criticising the perceived likes and dislikes of celebrities is absolutely insane ... I've never stopped applauding and cheering on Joaquine's frustration and mockery of it all over the years!!!!
You're work is so amazing and inspiring. I found your channel two weeks ago and watched everything. I hope I can make content like this one day. Keep it pushing! We're here for it!
This was incredibly well edited. Great job!
Aw that was brilliant man, just so damn good. About 6 minutes in it just started to flow over me. You're an artist.
get help.
Wow, you really did a brilliant job with this mini docu! It was absolutely at a professional standard; I wouldn’t have been surprised in the slightest if this had made by a well established production company. If you aren’t already doing it professionally (and you enjoy the work enough / aren’t already doing something you prefer)- I’d seriously suggest perusing a career out of it. Seriously phenomenal! 👌🏼
Very well done on this video! its great to see Phoenixs story
Incredible edits and story telling. Great shot selections too!
The KZhead recommendation that won! I didn't know what I'd clicked on except that it was about Joaquin but I was instantly hooked and couldn't stop watching. Amazing job, thanks for that
Simply amazing work of art gathering these clips and making this intense n cinematic documentary truly modern art.
I really enjoyed the way your sponsor was integrated! I kinda didn’t mind the way you had me hooked :) cheers!
Great Vid bro! Editing is top notch
Beautiful video essay - thank you for that ♥
That was some wicked editing. Good work
This is masterful work , thank you for the inspiration. This is journalism with cinematic vibrations
Wow fantastic edit!
Wow. This video is incredible. I can't even begin to think of all of the people I'd love to see a Doford video about, but this was certainly quite special.
Excellent video, have always been a huge fan of Joaquin. The editing in this video is pristine, especially near the end.
Storytelling and editing is so on point. Bravo 👏
SO excited for this, he’s my favorite actor and your videos are amazing
I absolutely love your style of video. It's amazingly different, yet perfect, and edited so incredibly well that I would watch for hours.
Dude you have found a niche that you thrive in and I followed just to see more, please keep at it dude these are magnificent pieces
Incredible editing and storytelling! Bravo!
Some of the best editing I’ve seen on KZhead!
that was done very well. loved it. i have a huge amount of respect for him as a person and actor, and this video just strengthens that even more.
FANTASTIC EDITING 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This is extremely well edited. Great job.
This is the single best KZhead video I have seen all year, you got my like & subscribed! Very inspirational getting back in touch with myself appreciating the art of Joaquin 🙌...
He’s been in so many amazing movies! His performance on Her was honestly so moving and he really knows how to lose himself in a role. The Letterman bit was sooo hilarious and the media could not get enough
Masterpiece! Such a unique and ambitious style of storytelling and filmmaking
Joaquin and Christian bale are some of my favorite method actors just because of the presence they have in the movies. It’s a drama and they fully bring out the drama of the movie. They are never two dimensional but somehow completely they are able to pick up a completely different role and make themselves that person. I just remember watching walk the line and thinking how awesome his acting is.
And I would Daniel Day-Lewis as well beautiful
Subscribed immediately! Great video of a great actor. EDIT: Fantastic editing!