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Joaquin Phoenix recently shared his experience filming one of the most intense scenes in Ari Aster’s new comedy-horror film Beau Is Afraid.
During a podcast interview for A24, the Oscar-winning actor opened up about the unique preparation he underwent to achieve the desired level of vulnerability and authenticity for the role.
Preparing for the intense scene
Phoenix revealed that he had initially felt nervous and controlled during a scene in which his character, Beau, takes a bath.
The director wanted to shoot the scene in one take, which only added to Phoenix’s anxiety. He realized that he needed to do something drastic to let go of his inhibitions and give the scene his all.
The actor then made a bold move, screaming at the top of his lungs before filming the scene again. “I just started screaming, just the most intense guttural pain scream that I could before we were shooting, sitting there, because I had to just fully humiliate myself,” Phoenix said.
He explained that the act of screaming allowed him to let go of everything and become fully immersed in his character’s emotions.
Aster agreed, saying that he felt Joaquin Phoenix was trying to scream himself out of the state he was in.
About ‘Beau Is Afraid’
The intense preparation paid off, as Phoenix delivered a powerful and authentic performance in the film. In Beau Is Afraid, he plays a character who is struggling with anxiety and embarks on a strange journey to visit his mother. The supporting cast includes Nathan Lane, Parker Posey, Amy Ryan, and Patti Lupone.
The film had a successful opening weekend, grossing $320,396 on just four screens and setting the biggest screen average of the year with $80,099 per location. It is set to open in theaters nationwide on April 21.
The revelation of Phoenix’s intense preparation adds to the buzz surrounding “Beau Is Afraid” and the actor’s already impressive body of work. The film promises to be a unique and thrilling addition to the horror-comedy genre, and Phoenix’s performance is sure to be a highlight for audiences.
