The Video Of Joaquin Phoenix Flipping Out On “Joker’s” Cinematographer Was A Prank

During Joaquin Phoenix’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last week, Jimmy Kimmel played an outtake shot during filming of Joker, in which serious actor Joaquin tears a verbal strip off “Larry,” the film’s cinematographer. Jimmy said the clip came from Joker director Todd Phillips. In the clip, Joaquin condescendingly accused Larry (aka Lawrence Sher) of constantly whispering during takes, and nicknaming a diva-ish Joaquin “Cher.” If you watched that video and felt like it was written, directed, and produced by a company called Viral Celebrity Tantrums Inc., you’d be correct. Larry spilled the beans to Business Insider, saying it was a prank.

Larry claims that Joaquin had the idea to play a prank on Todd Phillips, and decided it would be funny to “get into a fight” with him while the cameras were rolling after a take. Apparently Joaquin doesn’t just play The Joker, but he’s also a bit of a joker himself.

“It was a bit,” Sher said. “Joaquin is actually a super playful guy and loose.”

The only problem was, nobody else on set knew it was a bit. After the clip was shown on Jimmy Kimmel Live! – which was apparently a surprise to Larry – even more people thought Joaquin really did have it out for Larry.

“He’s such a good actor that nobody even got it on set. He played it too straight.” Sher had no idea that the clip would air on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and he was bombarded with messages from friends and family afterward. “My son asked if it would hurt my reputation,” he said.

So there you have it – Joaquin wasn’t really fighting with a cinematographer after a long day of work. He was just trying to convince Todd Phillips that he was fighting with a cinematographer. But Joaquin is just such a perfect actor, that no one knew he was joking. Ha ha? What a hilarious prank? When I think of a prank, I think of bringing a dozen donuts to set that have been filled with mayo. But clearly Joaquin is more thespian in his prankery. I bet it’s a real hoot at home with Rooney Mara.

Joaquin: “Rooney, I just got off the phone with your agent. They told me they are going to dump you as a client, and will be signing one of those lifelike talking robots to take your place.”

Rooney: “Oh wow, that’s awful.”

Joaquin: “A-ha ha, just kidding. I’m such a prankster.”

Rooney: “You don’t really think I could be replaced by a talking robot, do you?”

Joaquin: “Um…well…hey, have I told you about my Joker diet?”

Pic: YouTube