Now I am almost 100% sure this is all an act. If he really just went crazy why would he be appearing on talk shows and giving one word answers? Even if he did just decide to quit acting why wouldn't you even talk about the film you are there to promote? Maybe he is required to still do these shows (I don't know if that's the case), and just doesn't want to be involved with any of it anymore, but if that was the case why is he the focus of a documentary? I think it's all an elaborate joke or mockumentary, because if he really was crazy I doubt he would be this public about it.
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Well, supposedly Casey Affleck is going around with Joaquin and filming his every move so the whole 'meltdown' does have a 'Borat' type feel to it. But I will say this, if it is all an act, he's a pretty damn good actor! Course, we already knew that.
Letterman is a notorious dickhead. People who have been on his show or who have worked for him comment on how he treats people. Staff walk on eggshells around him. As a guest, you don't meet him beforehand. He normally doesn't come around and chat you up before the show or even say hi. You usually get a list of things not to do around Dave from his cronies.
Contrast that with how others, like Leno, treat their guests.
Maybe because Letterman is a supreme ###### he raises the dander of others that don't appreciate being treated that way. Get a couple of alpha personalities together and see who comes out on top...
I remember watching an episode of Letterman a few years ago when they did an audience game, and he called on one guy who so obviously did not want to be on TV or participate in the game; the guy was incredibly nervous and probably scared shinguardless, but Dave just ripped the guy the whole time he talked to him. When he asked at the end "So do you want to play?" the guy said no and sat down, and Dave made fun of him for the rest of the show. I had never really cared for Letterman before that, but it's safe to say that I genuinely don't like him since I watched that.
I thought it was really funny stuff. I'm thinking gotcha all the way. He would act like he couldn't remember who was in the film with him one minute and then in the clip comment he comes up with one actress's name instantly. He would clue in just in time to keep up the charade and not overplay the "I'm out to lunch persona".
Looked like a nice set-piece to stick in the movie. Letterman baits him time after time and he just rolls right along. That's hardly a meltdown. Either a drug induced semi-comatose performance or just some more brillant acting and I think the latter more likely.
Regardless of whether or not he is pulling an Andy Kaufmann...I hate Andy Kaufmann. I never understood what was so funny about the awkwardness and pissing people off in real life.
They are entertainers. I was thoroughly entertained.
Not a huge fan of Letterman or late night talk shows in general (except for the Hour which actually has interesting, intellectual interviews), but I love the way he rips into people from time to time. Too bad he can't do this every night cause I would be tuning in regularly.
As for Joaquin, I can think of three reasons he would act like that.
1. He's a jerk ---> then why go on the show? just to upstage Letterman? Unlikely.
2. He's stoned ---> there's no way the network, production company, or Joaquin's own people would allow that to happen. Therefore also unlikely.
3. He's acting ---> one of the greatest actors of his generation, in the middle of a project to leave acting and start a music career, trying to generate attention and buzz. I think we have a winner.
What is it about Letterman that brings out this type of weirdness?
Maybe it's because Letterman is so bland that they have to get messed up just to stand it...
Seriously though, artists are artists and who knows why they do what they do. Crispin Glover said that he was practicing some acting techniques when he was on Letterman. I also recall Jim Carey used to show up in public as Tony Clifton when he was filming Man on the Moon.
Artists are weird... no doubt about it.
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Youtube search "Crispin Glover David Letterman" and pick them from the mid-80s - Crispin is wearing stripped pants and I think he is clearing pulling a Kauffman. Youtube "Farrah David Letterman" and pick the one from 1997 or so - usually in a three part series. Farrah is clearly wacked out on something, probably coke but maybe just booze.
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Apparently people aren't exactly sure. He's always been out there, as stories of his extreme commitment to acting as an art have circulated for years. I guess Casey Affleck is following him around, filming a documentary on his career change and transition from acting.
And his behaviour has been so bizarre that many are wondering if it's some kind of This Is Spinal Tap thing... I don't know, though, he seems pretty genuinely melted-down.
I read up on it because this whole story is intriguing me and apparently Casey Affleck has been shadowing him with a camera and people think they are working together to make a mockumentary on him quitting acting to become a rap star.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daradon
Well, supposedly Casey Affleck is going around with Joaquin and filming his every move so the whole 'meltdown' does have a 'Borat' type feel to it. But I will say this, if it is all an act, he's a pretty damn good actor! Course, we already knew that.
I think there might be some dude following him around, hoping to make a mockumentary.
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I totally think this is all an act. Especially considering Casey Affleck's following him around. I mean really, if he wants to get out of acting and out of the spotlight what the hell's he doin on Letterman? I can't wait to see whatever Affleck and him have come up with when it gets released in 2-3 years.
