HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Joaquin Phoenix could be taking a page from Ashton Kutcher's "Punk'd." At least that's what several insiders believe of the actor's supposed departure from acting in order to launch a rap career.
Earlier this month, Phoenix made what was proclaimed to be his rap debut at a Las Vegas nightclub. The three-song performance at Lavo on Jan. 16 featured the wannabe rapper falling off the stage as critics howled over his exploits.
Most of Phoenix's recent outlandish behavior has been captured on film by his brother-in-law Casey Affleck, leading many to speculate about the true nature of his sudden rap calling.
"He said, 'It's a put-on. I'm going to pretend to have a meltdown and change careers, and Casey is going to film it,'" one source, who recently worked with Phoenix, tells Entertainment Weekly.
The saga first began in November when Phoenix dropped the bombshell during an interview with Extra at a San Francisco fundraiser.
"I want to take this opportunity... also to give you the exclusive and just talk a little bit about the fact that this will be my last performance as an actor," he told Extra's Jerry Penacoli. "I'm not doing films anymore."
He followed that by scribbling "Good Bye" on his hands as he appeared on the red carpet a week later for the premiere of his film, "Two Lovers."
While no one is questioning Phoenix's passion for music, especially after his turn as Johnny Cash in "Walk the Line," most tend to believe his recent actions are more of an elaborate hoax in the tradition of Andy Kaufman. Whatever the case, he's not expected to break character anytime soon.
"It's an art project for him," a source tells EW. "He's going full out. He probably has told his reps that he's quit acting. Joaquin is very smart. This is very conscious. He has a huge degree of control."
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