The role of the Joker sparked a new wave of Joaquin Phoenix's popularity around the world. However, this is far from the only successful project in the career of a multiple winner and winner of the Golden Globe, Oscar, Grammy, Cannes Film Festival and other prestigious awards. Here are the 10 best films with Joaquin Phoenix according to our editorial team!
1. "Gladiator" (2000)
Joaquin Phoenix plays the Roman emperor Commodus, who so far only seeks to gain power. However, his relations with his subjects frankly do not go well, and the best commander of the empire, Maximus, refuses to take the side of the murderer Marcus Aurelius. One of the most high-profile films directed by Ridley Scott collected 5 Oscars at once.
2. "Signs" (2002)
The sci-fi thriller impresses with its stellar cast. Joaquin Phoenix was joined by Mel Gibson, Rory Culkin and the director himself, M. Night Shyamalan. The Hess family lives in a small town and owns a cornfield. Once the former priest Graham, together with his younger brother Merrill, finds mysterious circles on it. Mystical events are increasing everywhere, and the Hesss begin to prepare for an alien invasion.
3. "Hotel" Rwanda "" (2004)
The story refers to the genocide in Rwanda, when the local Hutus massacred the Rwandan Tutsis. Tension between nations leads to a real war, against the background of which simple everyday dramas unfold. Although Joaquin Phoenix plays only a journalist here, and the main characters are played by Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo, the film definitely deserves attention! By the way, the story based on the script was written by Paul Rusesabajina, and for it he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest award in the United States.
4. "Mysterious Forest" (2004)
Night Shyamalan's dystopia tells the story of the life of a Protestant village surrounded by a mysterious forest with dangerous creatures. The locals are cut off from the rest of the world, but they also do not seek to get involved with this cradle of debauchery. However, they do not have enough medicine, and Lucius Hunt, played by Joaquin Phoenix, wants to follow them through the dangerous forest. But is it possible to break an unspoken agreement with mystical forces?
5. "Cross the Line" (2005)
Biopic tells the story of Johnny Cash's relationship with June Carter. This pair was played by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. Johnny Cash has gone from family dramas, military service and addictions to the happy marriage he dreamed of for ten years. The musical brought numerous nominations for creators and performers, including a Golden Globe for Phoenix.
6. "Master" (2012)
"The Master" tells the story of a former sailor, and now - an alcoholic vagabond Freddie, played by Joaquin Phoenix. He suffers from PTSD, tries to get back to normal and sells his own alcohol. But soon everything was turned upside down by the acquaintance with the founder of the religious movement, who was keen on experimenting on his charges. Surprisingly, the film completely failed at the box office, but at the same time collected dozens of awards. And all the leading actors Phoenix, Hoffman and Amy Adams have been nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
7. "She" (2013)
In the near future, Theodore Twombly, played by Joaquin Phoenix, improved an artificial intelligence that called itself Samantha. Soon, Theodore and Samantha have an uneasy relationship ... The fantastic melodrama has gathered an amazing star cast. Together with Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Chris Pratt starred in the film, and Samantha is voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
8. "Congenital defect" (2014)
Joaquin Phoenix appears in a completely unexpected role - in the role of private detective Doc, who is addicted to "weed". Suddenly, Doc's ex-girlfriend disappears, and the detective realizes that the story is closely related to his other affairs.Paul Thomas Anderson's flamboyant comedy-drama was well received by film critics and received several different nominations for script and male roles.
9. "You were never here" (2017)
Joa's dramatic story of a tough loner, played by Joaquin Phoenix, won Best Actor and Best Screenplay in Cannes. Joe is not afraid of anyone or anything except his own memories. And one day he meets young Nina, who is forced into prostitution and desperate for help.
10. "Joker" (2019)
If for some reason you are still postponing watching "Joker" - it's time to abandon prejudices and catch up! A dramatic film has nothing to do with the usual and vivid movie comics. The gripping story of the unlucky comedian Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, is more of a dark thriller and tragedy about the fall of a personality rejected by society!
