Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von – Episode #598: Joaquin Phoenix

Release Date: July 18, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #598 of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von sits down with acclaimed actor Joaquin Phoenix. The conversation unfolds at the iconic Hotel Chelsea in New York City, delving into Phoenix's illustrious career, his approach to acting, and his latest project, Eddington. The episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Phoenix's artistic process and personal reflections.

Meeting and First Impressions

The episode begins with Theo Von introducing Joaquin Phoenix, highlighting his notable roles in films such as Joker, Walk the Line, and Signs. Phoenix's humble demeanor sets the tone for the conversation.

• Theo Von [00:00]: "Today's guest is Mr. Joaquin Phoenix."
• Joaquin Phoenix [00:51]: "Cuz it seems like the assassin, like, before he's about to people up."

This playful interaction underscores the relaxed yet insightful nature of the interview.

The Impact of Joaquin Phoenix's Work

Theo expresses deep appreciation for Phoenix's contributions to cinema, emphasizing how his performances inspire and provoke thought among audiences.

• Theo Von [02:30]: "Thank you for all your beautiful work over the years. It's been nice to witness and consume as just a regular person in the world."
• Joaquin Phoenix [02:47]: "That's very nice. I mean, I don't have anything special. I don't do anything special."

Phoenix's humility contrasts with his powerful on-screen presence, highlighting his grounded personality despite his fame.

Summer Activities and Personal Life

The conversation shifts to personal lives, with Theo sharing snippets of his summer, including attending his niece's high school graduation and watching the film Signs. Phoenix reveals that he did not graduate high school, hinting at his early commitment to acting.

• Theo Von [05:15]: "I got to see my niece graduated from high school. So that was pretty cool just to watch somebody go through that moment."
• Joaquin Phoenix [05:35]: "No, I didn't. To be honest, I'm not sure I even made it to high school."

This exchange underscores the sacrifices and choices made in pursuing a demanding acting career.

Deep Dive into Eddington and Acting Philosophy

Theo and Phoenix delve into Phoenix's latest film, Eddington, discussing its themes against the backdrop of contemporary societal issues like COVID mandates and the Black Lives Matter movement. Phoenix offers a candid look into his acting methodology, particularly in portraying complex characters during tumultuous times.

• Theo Von [07:00]: "There's a lot of new but also errant information in the world."
• Joaquin Phoenix [08:52]: "I think it's like you're just trying to balance it out. And sometimes you can be so in the moment that you do forget that."

Phoenix emphasizes the importance of balancing long-term character development with present-moment authenticity, especially when collaborating with directors like Ari Aster.

• Joaquin Phoenix [11:04]: "It's something very humbling about that process. Right. And you have to do the work as if every moment is part of this character's life."

Collaboration with Director Ari Aster

The discussion highlights Phoenix's collaborative relationship with director Ari Aster, underscoring the dynamic interplay between actor and director in shaping a film's narrative and emotional depth.

• Joaquin Phoenix [15:23]: "So something that Ari and I talked about, something that was very important to me from the beginning, was that Joe challenges like the audience's preconceived idea of what a conservative small town sheriff is."

Phoenix praises Aster's vision and dedication, acknowledging the director's pivotal role in the film's success.

• Theo Von [21:06]: "Are there moments where you're almost there?"
• Joaquin Phoenix [21:03]: "Sometimes."

Character Complexity and Personal Identification

Phoenix discusses his approach to embodying Joe Cross, the protagonist of Eddington, exploring the character's imperfections and internal conflicts. He relates these aspects to his own life experiences and emotional responses.

• Theo Von [28:02]: "Does that just feel like regular life? Like, could you relate to him as a human?"
• Joaquin Phoenix [28:03]: "Yeah. I think all the characters and this I felt when I read the script, I was like, oh, I kind of like, I recognize myself and all of these characters actually."

This segment highlights Phoenix's ability to infuse his personal insights into his characters, creating authentic and relatable portrayals.

Reflections on Society and Media

Theo and Phoenix reflect on the state of society, media influence, and the collective emotional landscape shaped by recent global events. They discuss how these factors influence not only filmmaking but also personal well-being.

• Theo Von [31:29]: "It feels like we're just doing the opposite of a hug right now."
• Joaquin Phoenix [33:09]: "I think we wanted to forget or like, pretending to forget."

This conversation underscores the interconnectedness of art and societal change, illustrating how films like Eddington mirror and influence real-world dynamics.

Understanding the Filmmaking Process

Phoenix offers a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process, detailing the iterative nature of scene development and the often unpredictable outcomes of editing decisions.

• Joaquin Phoenix [11:04]: "It's like something very humbling about that process. Right. And you have to do the work as if every moment is part of this character's life."
• Joaquin Phoenix [13:05]: "It's terrible. And the times where I'm like, I don't know if I even landed. I'm not sure what's."

Phoenix candidly shares his experiences regarding the uncertainties and collaborative efforts involved in creating a cohesive final product.

Conclusion

The interview concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments, touching upon personal losses and the enduring impact of family. Both hosts and guest emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding, and the human connections that transcend the confines of their professional lives.

• Theo Von [88:09]: "Thank you for thinking with me today."
• Joaquin Phoenix [88:35]: "Cheers to our dads, man. They're out there."

This poignant ending reinforces the episode's themes of resilience, reflection, and the shared human experience.

Notable Quotes

• Joaquin Phoenix [02:47]: "I don't have anything special. I don't do anything special."
• Joaquin Phoenix [11:04]: "You have to do the work as if every moment is part of this character's life."
• Theo Von [31:29]: "It feels like we're just doing the opposite of a hug right now."
• Joaquin Phoenix [33:09]: "I think we wanted to forget or like, pretending to forget."

Final Thoughts

This episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von offers a profound exploration of Joaquin Phoenix's artistic journey, his introspective approach to acting, and his reflections on contemporary societal issues. Through candid dialogue and meaningful exchanges, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Phoenix's craft and the thoughtful narratives he brings to the screen.