Joaquin Phoenix's dedication to his roles is well-known, often involving significant physical transformations. His commitment to portraying Arthur Fleck in the Joker films is no exception. For the original 2019 film, Phoenix lost a substantial amount of weight, and he revisited this process for the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. This article explores the details surrounding Phoenix's weight loss journey, its impact, and the broader context of actors' extreme physical transformations for roles.
The Initial Transformation: 52 Pounds for the Original Joker
Phoenix made headlines in 2019 when he revealed he lost 52 pounds to prepare for his role as Arthur Fleck in Joker. He described the diet as "horrible" and "brutal." In an interview with Total Film, the long-time vegan shared some insights. The initial phase involved "eating super-clean," consisting of salads with minimal dressing and steamed vegetables. As he approached his target weight, he transitioned to a more "hardcore diet" of lettuce, steamed green beans or asparagus, and one apple daily.
Director Todd Phillips wanted the Joker to appear "malnourished and thin and hungry," which motivated Phoenix's drastic weight loss. Phoenix worked with a nutritionist to ensure he received the necessary vitamins and minerals despite the restrictive diet. He told USA TODAY that while the diet was "grotesque," it was also "safe."
The Psychological Impact
Phoenix revealed at the 2019 Venice Film Festival that the weight loss significantly affected his psychology. "You start to go mad when you lose that much weight in that amount of time," he stated. He anticipated feelings of dissatisfaction, hunger, vulnerability, and weakness. However, he was surprised by a sense of fluidity and improved physical mobility. "I felt like I could move my body in ways that I hadn’t been able to before," he noted.
He also described the mental obsession that develops when trying to reach a specific weight. "Once you reach the target weight, everything changes," Phoenix told the Associated Press. "Like so much of what’s difficult is waking up every day and being obsessed over like 0.3 pounds. Right? And you really develop like a disorder."
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Revisiting the Diet for "Joker: Folie à Deux"
Phoenix reprised his role as Arthur Fleck in "Joker: Folie à Deux," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. At the subsequent press conference, he addressed the topic of his diet, expressing reluctance to delve into specifics. "I’m not going to talk through specifics of the diet, because I just think nobody wants to hear that," Phoenix said. However, he acknowledged that the process was "a bit more complicated" this time due to the film's musical elements, which involved extensive dance rehearsals. "There was so much dance rehearsal that we were doing, which I didn’t have last time," he explained. "So it felt a bit more difficult."
Despite the challenges, Phoenix assured that the diet was "safe" and that he worked with a doctor. However, he also suggested that this might be the last time he undergoes such a dramatic transformation. "You’re right, I’m now 49, I probably shouldn’t do this again. This is probably it for me."
Lady Gaga's Transformation
Lady Gaga, who stars as Harley Quinn in "Joker: Folie à Deux," also underwent a physical transformation for her role, including weight loss. Phoenix commented on Gaga's dedication, saying, "I remember when I first met you in rehearsals, and then you went away, and then when you came back, you lost a lot of weight. It was really impressive and seemed very difficult." Gaga acknowledged the transformation process, stating, "I think we transformed into our characters over time and continued to hone every kind of detail."
The Broader Context of Extreme Weight Loss in Acting
Joaquin Phoenix is one of many actors who have undergone dramatic weight loss for roles. Christian Bale, known for his yo-yo dieting, holds the record for losing 63 pounds for "The Machinist." Other actors who have shed significant weight for roles include Adam Driver (50 pounds for "Silence"), Tom Hanks (55 pounds for "Cast Away"), and 50 Cent (54 pounds for "All Things Fall Apart").
These transformations often involve extreme diets and rigorous exercise regimens. While actors may work with nutritionists and doctors to ensure their safety, such drastic measures can still pose risks to their physical and mental health.
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A Word of Caution
The "Joker diet" is not recommended. While Joaquin Phoenix worked with professionals to manage his weight loss, such extreme diets can be dangerous and should only be undertaken under strict medical supervision. It is essential to prioritize health and well-being over achieving a specific physical appearance.
Other Controversies
During the press conference, Phoenix was also questioned about his decision to drop out of Todd Haynes’ untitled gay romance film just five days before filming was scheduled to begin in Mexico. Phoenix declined to comment, stating, "If I do, I would just be sharing my opinion from my perspective, and the other creatives aren't here to say their piece, and it just doesn't feel like that would be right. I'm not sure how that would be helpful."
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