Home / Arts and Entertainment / Acclaimed Director Ramsay Shares Insights on Filming with Joaquin Phoenix
Acclaimed Director Ramsay Shares Insights on Filming with Joaquin Phoenix
18 Oct
Summary
- Ramsay discusses working with Joaquin Phoenix on her 2017 film "You Were Never Really Here"
- Phoenix would surprise Ramsay on set, like purposefully falling down stairs during takes
- Ramsay calls Phoenix "the most exciting actor" she's ever worked with
In a recent event, acclaimed Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay provided insights into her creative process and collaborations, particularly her work with Joaquin Phoenix on the 2017 psychological thriller "You Were Never Really Here."
Ramsay, known for her previous films like "Ratcatcher," "Morvern Callar," and "We Need to Talk About Kevin," discussed the challenges and triumphs of working with Phoenix, who starred as a traumatized mercenary in the neo-noir thriller. Ramsay described the Oscar-winning actor as a "beast" and "the most exciting actor" she has ever worked with, recounting how he would constantly surprise her on set with unscripted moments.
One such instance involved Phoenix purposefully falling down some stairs during a take, leaving the crew in a panic. "Everyone's running, going, 'What's happened to Joaquin?!'" Ramsay recalled, adding that Phoenix "just thought, 'I'll try this and see if it works.'" The director praised the actor's dedication and commitment, noting that he "never did the same thing twice" and was always seeking to push the boundaries of his performance.
Advertisement
Ramsay also shared an anecdote about a French financier who was "obsessed with Cannes" and constantly demanded to see cuts of the film, only to criticize them as "shit." Despite the challenges, "You Were Never Really Here" went on to win best actor for Phoenix and best screenplay at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2017.
