Joaquin Phoenix was terrified on the set of 'Gladiator'...

[@spahhgurl3998]

Everything about that character was perfect. He was childish, loathsome, terrifying… weak. It was absolutely memorable and exactly what was needed.

[@alisade127]

He was amazing. Wow. Ridley Scott has been directing actors for a long time. He’s a genius.

[@spiritcreek9813]

You got that right, sometimes being this frighten brings out your best.

[@efreeholdings1575]

Totally on point comment.

[@onesunnyday5699]

You would never know. He was amazing in this. I love Joaquin & this role separated him from a child actor to an adult.

[@Kirsty_Leanne]

He’s an adult Joffrey!

[@romilrh]

He was so nervous...and ended up giving one of the all-time greatest villain performances in cinema history.

[@theItalianshamrock]

I think it made the role more believable. His character was always nervous and worried about losing his power so it actually fits perfectly

[@willymack5677]

@@theItalianshamrockthe paranoid tyrant trope is very well portrayed.

[@synthclub]

The nervousness clearly added to the sickliness of the Villainy portrayed..

[@harlorformula8516]

Yeah, he was shaking uncontrollably like a leaf blowing around in the wind? , I guess we’re supposed to believe that somehow 😅

[@luismelgoza2891]

He made me hate that dude with a fukin passion !!

[@kilgoretrout321]

That nervousness was perfect for the role. His character seemed as if he was terrified the whole time but trying to cover it up with a smile

[@gerarduspoppel2831]

That was my first thought.

[@lethalus3494]

Exactly.

[@DaniloDanny77]

Pretty accurate. I mean, as a character, he didn't possess the traits of a true man, a true leader, which is why Marcus didn't let him lead the Rome. He knew that, so he resorted to dirty playing. Whoever plays like that, it's completely natural to be scared 24 hours a day. That's why his acting was much better than that of Crow. Comodo is the best acted role in the Gladiator.

[@DouwedeJong]

Funny how that comes over, and is a good thing…

[@DrDeuteron]

He’s so method

[@dianalee508]

I can’t believe he didn’t win an award for his performance. He was amazing and so believable. You forgot that it was an “actor”. His work is always incredible.

[@DFRetha]

My father still won't actively watch anything with him in it because he hated his character so much! Obviously he knows that it was a role but it proves how powerful certain performances are if they make the audience genuinely loathe them.

[@bug8965]

​@@DFRetha aw hahaha

[@courtneycoley8487]

Same with Walk the Line

[@Ras2022]

NOT TRUE - He won awards for “best supporting actor”. A little research goes a long way. Just saying.

[@dianalee508]

@@Ras2022 I did do research on him and never saw he won anything for that movie. Thanks for the info.

[@MsClaudiaDuran]

His nervousness served him. It made his villain character appear more unhinged and unpredictable.

[@eviljoe9548]

I remember it making me nervous when I first watched this I was really young his whole demeanor made me nervous

[@chinadollsyndrome]

Yeah, that exact same insecurity can fuel the raging tantrums of a narcissistic tyrant. It worked beautifully to add depth to the character

[@adventure002006]

You did such a good job acting, while I was watching I felt fear every time you were in the scene❤❤

[@Pinkdaimonddragon]

True🎯

[@tiae.475]

So well said

[@bubblebubbleblip]

it’s honestly really refreshing to hear an actor talk about feeling anxiety while performing. I think I assume the majority of actors become actors because it’s easy for them. It’s cool to hear someone say they had to overcome fear in order to perform.

[@rebeccatennison6175]

💯🙌🏼🙏🏼 So humbling, isn't it? I feel that fear with every performance I have to do myself. Sometimes, it takes a minute to really get into your characters, but once you have released the nerves, it's fun to see yourself as someone else. ;)

[@TrinityStarlight]

Omg so helpful cause he’s so good in this role

[@greasymarlo2718]

Matt Damon gave an interview talking about how much like a kid he felt on Saving Private Ryan with Hanks & Spielberg

[@deaaqua86]

He's infamously "nervous," though. To the point where he can't even be insured anymore and no one will work with him. He keeps bailing on movies, even his own, days before filming. It costs millions in losses. It costs people their jobs. He's not to be admired.

[@MarinaRhymin]

Yessss! Watch the credits for Deadpool Vs. Wolverine! Hugh Jackman talks about his anxiety during X-Men!

[@Komorebineeded]

He absolutely stole the show. I can't imagine anyone else playing that role.

[@KombatFlix]

STRAIGHT UP ROBBERY

[@GeneralBuckNaked]

​@Quagmire238Danny would kill any role. He's the man!

[@Lenny.262]

​@Quagmire238Danny Devito was absolutely robbed of the part for Super Mario.

[@wygantsh]

He made that movie just like all the great bond villains

[@metastract]

💯

[@donp8136]

Can we pause for a moment to acknowledge how breathtaking his eyes are in this movie? My God, he's so beautiful...

[@ralleratsch6508]

1000000%

[@R.S-l2g]

yup

[@teresaellis7062]

That is so cool of Ridley Scott. He understood the actor he was working with and helped Joaquin get the best performance possible.

[@kittyblaine7917]

🤔that’s one of the reasons he’s a great director and he makes really good movies with paying the bucks to see in a theater

[@Asmodeus-ix7pz]

Great Movie great actor great Director

[@TicklesTrout]

Who the heck is Joaquin

[@InARoundaboutWay]

While saving money on film stock, don't forget!

[@eivind105]

Yep. Just like he said in the video.

[@DeyTookOurJobs]

He absolutely killed that role too. Every actor in the movie did but Joaquin and Russel were fantastic I need to watch this again

[@LP3me]

Do it, you won’t regret it. It’s amazing how young Russel was in this also (35), and probably one of my favorite performances of his.

[@DeyTookOurJobs]

@@LP3me i watched it not long after this comment 👊

[@alstjrqkr689]

Me too but dir cut this time

[@Lola_Santoro]

I'm about to put it on now. I hadn't planned to watch it today, but after that interview - I think I need to.

[@AnetIsOnYoutube]

I second that. Probably my favourite movie. The acting, the story, the theme, costumes, dialogue, the who hero trope... not to mention Hans Zimmer's soundtrack. Totally rewatching soon.

[@LP3me]

It’s amazing he went from this performance early in his career to Joker 20 years later, really showed the transformation of his confidence as an actor on screen. Amazing.

[@randpherigo9724]

he improvised by hitting the time clock with his fist..(joker)- he's dedicated.. im glad i dont here his Op/politics which makes him a saint..

[@randpherigo9724]

he smashed Napoleon in my opinion

[@J.G.Wentworth69420]

Comic book movies are gay

[@Maffy12]

⁠@@J.G.Wentworth69420the point is the confidence in himself as an actor. this story vs behind the scenes of joker highlight how far he’s come

[@LP3me]

@@J.G.Wentworth69420 the majority of movie goers disagree with you. Comic book movies are some of the highest grossing movies of all time.

[@thenightporter]

I remember coming out of the movie and saying about Joaquin's performance, "that is the best acting job I have ever seen in my entire life." 25 years later, I still think it is.

[@H4RRY1019]

AND, he got nominated for an Oscar. Gladiator is one of my all time favorite movies.

[@dragonslayer616]

Same!❤

[@ikechukwuobidike9440]

ditto

[@craz4jaymz]

My dad, who mostly watched Tamil (Indian) movies, said it was a good movie and he enjoyed it. That was a super rare comment from him.

[@michaelconnor5378]

@@dragonslayer616Commodus did fight in the Coliseum. His opponent would have an unsharpened sword so when they struck him it wouldn’t do damage and he won many fights. Then his trainer found out and was shocked. The trainer actually killed him for his cowardice and lack of integrity.

[@makeitmakesense4836]

24 years later, I just added it to my watch list for later this week...lol

[@Miiiiiiighty]

He was terrified, but to this day it's still his best performance ever

[@aazhie]

The most scary and unpredictable people, IMO, are often those who are afraid, so he nailed it! Sometimes terror works to sell a role, I want to rewatch and see if it still is as unsettling when I was younger

[@ramjam-zv7mi]

By far his best role

[@ruthiecastro9519]

I agree👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😊

[@erenjaegerbomb8653]

I dunno, Joker exists now

[@milssaarts8193]

Nah uh! Brother bear ❤

[@AndroidPLUR]

“AM I NOT MERCIFUL?!?!” One of the greatest villainous performances of all time.

[@Andain_83]

I could never forget that particular line. Such a pivotal and intense scene!

[@kimowilliams7032]

I read that he was only supposed to say the line normally, like he did the first time. When he yelled into Connie Nielsen’s face, her reaction was genuine because Joachim totally improvised that repeated dialogue.

[@bigglesworth06]

Phoenix’s role in this movie was nothing short of amazing. What an actor he is.

[@CeasefireNow2024]

Whoever cast Joaquin as a Roman Emperor deserves an award. He looks just like some of the historical depictions. He gave a moving performance and his acting was believable. Really well done.

[@LQOTW]

right? He could have been related to Constantine.

[@e-1074]

​@@LQOTW he plays Emperor Commodus in the movie, Emperor Constantine is almost 200 years later lol

[@LQOTW]

@@e-1074 Thanks, I am well aware of the timeline, which is not at all germane to the op's remark and my response.

[@jacobpeters5458]

he dont look jack like Commodus, who was tall and just doesnt look like him

[@e-1074]

@@LQOTW you said he looks like he could have been related to Constantine, whom has 0 relevancy to the movie at all. i was pointing out your mistake and fixing it

[@rosslovesthedark]

he was absolutely phenomenal in this part, made my skin crawl

[@alysononoahu8702]

I agree

[@mariemarie3614]

...we all hated his ass 😭

[@kanethesevenfootmonster868]

​@@mariemarie3614True..😂😂😂❤❤

[@sufyanlowel4631]

I didn't remember both the movie and him. such a poptrash garbage.

[@Maxi.Dounut]

I think actors who are able to sucessfully portray hatable characters deserve so much praise. Actors who play the most despicable characters usually turn out to be so super sweet and I have no idea how they even manage.

[@somewhatprivate]

You're so right, I feel especially sorry for Jack Gleeson who did such a good job of playing Joffrey in the GOT everyone ended up hating him, hard to shake that off and he nearly gave up acting.

[@Maxi.Dounut]

@@somewhatprivate Yes exactly! He nailed the role so well it’s deeply impressive. The fact that he was bullied for a job he did as an actor makes me really question people’s brain capacity.

[@bottomofastairwell]

​@@somewhatprivateright? Like poor kid. He did such an incredible, phenomenal job of acting that role that you truly DID hate his character. Which is the point. Bit the people who took that into real life because they failed to remember that it was just that a role, and that he was acting... yikes. I hope his next role is as a sweet love interest in a rom com or as a hero or something, that way the idiots who somehow can't remember that it's just a show can see him play a character they like. Maybe that would help them remember that is just acting and that he's still a person outside of that role, one who's probably really sweet in real life

[@vdd1001]

Antony Starr and Homelander

[@kyze8284]

I didn't even know this was our current Joker, I'm honestly a little sad how they made the Joker now because his talent as the Emperor was amazing. It feels like they made him tone down his acting for Joker when he probably could have done it so much better

[@MoleyRusselsWart_]

Still unmatched. What he did with his role was incredible.

[@BaseDeltaZero1972]

Dude became a screen legend on this performance. He gave us a truly pathetic, yet terrifying psychopath. Amazing actor.

[@tw8464]

True. Well said.

[@102sydney]

Pathetic, yet terrifying psychopath can also describe his take on the Joker.

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

​@@102sydney I love Joaquin Phoenix. Always have, always will. _However, Joaquin's "Joker" is almost_ an *exact copy of Robert De Niro's character Rupert Pumpkin in The King of Comedy* (1982). That is why De Niro played Murray Franklin in The Joker. _An excellent ode to Rupert Pumpkin_ for those viewers who got it. When I first watched Joker I said to my Husband, "I have seen this movie before!! In the eighties! I think De Niro was in it. This feels like a rip off!" Curious, my Husband wanted to watch The King of Comedy and he saw it too.

[@nomadscavenger]

So many young emperors in that period of Roman history were psychos, he summed them all up in his own, one-time interpretation - if he had had more leading roles, he would have beaten out Russell for the Award, (or maybe he wouldn't have put so much of his own insecurities into it?). Ridley met two+ genius actors in that project, plus a boatload of yeomen, newbies imo

[@smilingdog2219]

Joaquin nailed this role. He made the movie great and I say the Oscars ripped him off in a big way.

[@miamimercenary9623]

literal God tier villain performance

[@jamesfreeman2258]

Ditto

[@ccramit]

Benicio del Toro was good, but Joaquin portrayed the villain so well. I fucking hated his guts in this movie.

[@MeadowDay]

The Oscar’s are such a fake load of trash, 🤡…..we the people know who should be holding Oscar’s and Joaquin is definitely one of the greats with Russel Crowe…awesome movie!

[@strawmoon9963]

I agree. He deserved an oscar for this

[@lindawoods891]

Joaquin should have won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Being nominated was awesome. He deserved to win the Oscar.

[@poorthing]

AGREE 100%

[@bradthompson5383]

He should have held the Oscar's hostage till they gave it to him, and then screamed, "AM I NOT MERCIFUL?!"

[@g080870]

He hands down deserved it for Walk the line as well. Misunderstood & underrated. He's quite an extraordinary human

[@KGisthenameman]

Who won instead?

[@dianawatton7570]

I am still upset that Joaquin did not win the Oscar. His performance was astounding he was indeed supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!❤❤❤

[@dyamano]

Couldn’t imagine anyone else other then Joaquin playing that part. He nailed it ! “ AM I NOT MERCIFUL? “ was chilling

[@Mark-gt9yv]

IMO this is still the strongest role and best acting I’ve seen. His portrayal was absolutely terrifying

[@tracey2954]

Because he was terrified.

[@zyourzgrandzmaz]

Go watch any movie with gary Oldman or Daniel Day Lewis and you'll see what the best acting actually is.

[@melodicmiserii]

@@zyourzgrandzmazJoaquin in the master is the best

[@BigChungus-zg6zw]

I guess the nerves really sold the notion of the man who was omnipotent yet still insecure. I need to watch this film again.

[@josephnoneofyourbeeswax8517]

Joaquin's greatest performance was on Letterman. That was the funniest thing I have ever seen. lol

[@ImOldGreggg]

He is such a legend though. Gladiator is one of the best films ever made. I've legit watched it like 20 times

[@kayequinn7146]

Me too. But I still wait for my favorite scene when he finds out Maximus is still alive. The look of shock & fear on his face is priceless.

[@floresaza253]

Only 20 times?

[@GalderIncarnate]

Those are rookie numbers =P

[@Lucky_Chase]

I fell in love with him after this.

[@angie5life-is-good]

Me too 😅 And I want to watch it again…always with closed captioning

[@viperrecords3288]

Ridley is a genius and knows how to get the best out of his actors. Bravo

[@LordVader1094]

Was*

[@Myname-l3h]

@@LordVader1094іs look at black hawk down

[@lifepolicy]

If only ...

[@viperrecords3288]

@@lifepolicy Ridley is a genius and knows how to get the best out of his actors. Bravo

[@AbsolutelyJason]

That was genius!

[@MichaelB-i8g]

It’s so cool to hear actors talk openly like this, especially given the fact that his performance as Commodus created one of the most memorable and impactful characters in movie history. Truly a gem

[@bodhiswayze1892]

River Phoenix must be looking down at his little brother, absolutely bursting with pride!

[@Gigi1111Layna]

Yeah. I'm so sorry for him that they sa Kriff iced. River. JDopp knew and had him dragged out of the viper up those red filthy carpets to the curb..

[@sdffhsdghhn]

no he's not because heaven doesn't exist and god is a lie

[@daleyjohnson229]

Nah he’s enjoying a speedball every 25 minutes.

[@VaanJoku]

​@@Gigi1111Laynacould i have the same in english?

[@eliminoh_p7877]

It’s sad what their parents put them through if you know their backstory. River would be an absolute icon if he were still here today. Joaquin has been through more in his life than most people know.

[@CrniWuk]

And Russel was at that point already a pretty established actor who played his role with a lot of confidence and strength. It really is a great contrast, that totally works between those two roles. Both really elevated the movie to a whole different level of enjoyment.

[@andrejastinjek]

I loved that contrast, and with Connie amplifying it with her expressions.. 🎉

[@timmyt1232]

I loved watching Joaquin Phoenix in gladiator. His nervousness worked to perfection in this role.

[@DadAboutIt]

Man. No one could have played that better. What an absolute legend. One of the best actors to ever do it. Hands down.

[@Galen-864]

His last scene with Richard Harris telling his father what good qualities he had broke my heart.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

OMG same. “You will not be Emperor.” Oof.

[@lisamarchetti9196]

Awww yes me too and then he showed you why his father didn’t trust him 😂 but yesss what a great part

[@haqikfagarner2363]

He said " I'd butcher the whole world if you would only love me".. with such hurt and anguish.. that's one of my favorite scenes.. he really did well in that movie.

[@kapitan27]

I have courage. Perhaps not on the battlefield, but there are many forms of courage.

[@PeggyTrigg]

Joaquin, you were amazing in this role and deserved the Oscar for your portrayal of Comitus

[@alisade127]

He deserved the Oscar for playing Johnny Cash too.

[@LifeOdysseyMotivation]

Commodus

[@christopheredig1884]

Corlitus I'm not sure about the name, for you tough I have it right "idiotus"

[@dianasworld3015]

His role in Gladiator was absolutely ICONIC

[@lindas5964]

He was able to channel that fear into a very complex character that was fascinating to watch. You’re amazing Joaquin!

[@AsimKhan-oy1ei]

People talk about how great this movie is and it’s no doubt one of my all time favourite movies but a large reason for that is Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as the antagonist Commodus.

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

This explains that rawness of his character. His character was so damaged, and that nervousness, really gave the character it's edge. great movie.

[@chand911]

lol who are you

[@krazykkarl]

What damage? He's the most privileged child in the world being born to the emperor of Rome.

[@sbsftw4232]

Like every character he plays lmao, it's just him shining through.

[@Crimson50]

​@@krazykkarl not everything always has to do with class. You can be rich or poor and still be "damaged"

[@Michael-bn1oi]

@@krazykkarl Maybe one day you'll grow up and learn "empathy" It is actually really important. You've got to be like 12 to have not learned wealthy people can *also* have fucked up lives lol

[@aikighost]

Its stories like these that make you realise how great a director Ridley Scott actually is.

[@Serzhik_Oldschool]

was

[@fay-mSOPEfan62]

@@Serzhik_Oldschool He's not dead, if that's what you mean? He'll be 87 at the end of Nov. It was his brother Tony who died.

[@Serzhik_Oldschool]

@@fay-mSOPEfan62 what I mean is that he WAS a great director, but he isn't now

[@fay-mSOPEfan62]

@Serzhik_Oldschool oh ok, I saw in the comments someone else said the same as you, fair enough. I haven't been able to afford to go & see films the last few yrs, so it's a long time since I watched anything of his.

[@aikighost]

@@Serzhik_Oldschool yeah Id say that's fair, he seems to do better when he directs things written by others who have control of what is going to appear on screen. Last great thing he did for me was "The Martian"

[@rockkandyplay5692]

He was literally PERFECT for the role. One of the best actors. Incredible, honestly. I love Joaquin so so much

[@1389Chopin]

He elevated that movie from excellent to legendary

[@BambooCoffin]

He made the movie for me. So creepy.

[@thomasbaker9787]

Busy little bee

[@parabalani]

Any other good actor could have played the emperor. Russel Crowe sold that movie, not Jaquin

[@frankcarlosanaliza]

Not really. But tastes are tastes. Some people would say quite the opposite ​@@parabalani

[@ronny2shoes]

@parabalani I agree that Russel sold the movie, but I think Phoenix was perfectly-casted. He played the role of a villain so damn well.

[@nick7084]

When someone in this profession is able to make you despise them at the level we all despised this role.. They have mastered their craft.

[@ladybird491]

I couldn't stand his A at all and kept mean hugging him every time he got on screen.

[@ashlielove6513]

Leads extremely well into his voice constantly being on the edge of tears. My favorite performance of his...by a mile. ❤

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

Movie characters in this were COMPLEX and good back stories to show their insides. Makes such a difference in movies. WOW

[@benson8686]

I loved him in Gladiator, but he also gave incredible depth to the Joker and his performance in Her was outstanding. He's just so good in so many films.

[@shelby9569]

His performance in this film was amazing. I had so much emotional reaction to the character because of how he performed. He's such a great actor.

[@rebecca_stone]

Dude slays the role, yet is prepared to also lay himself bare about how terrified he was. That's rare. Love this!

[@Resident1157]

He was terrified but he was truly terrifying

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

good point.

[@BaileysMariner]

One of the sickest burns in all cinema: - Have I missed it? Have I missed the battle? - You have missed the war!

[@TimS-pw1df]

Save the bulls, honor Maximus!

[@GORILLA_PIMP]

Right that line kinda shook me just watchin it lmfao

[@Kai_soze]

Just proved to me that the son was a scrub

[@zachsdickDOTmpg]

Bro the way he kept roasting his son. When he was like “your failure as a man are my fault as a father, gimme a hug buddy” I cringe so hard at that scene, it’s brutal. No wonder he ended the old man that night 💀

[@alfredino724]

am i not merciful!!!!!!!!!???!!!!!!!?

[@none11ification]

"AM I NOT MERCIFUL!!!....." Seeing that in the trailer and how Roman he looks, was just wow. He was perfect

[@MdnightWnd]

That moment is probably the most powerful one in the movie for me. The music and the acting (by both actors) was so intense and perfect.

[@joshuatoms7664]

​@@MdnightWndI would say the scene where he kills his father.

[@OriginalPuro]

I am not sure why so many kids are unable to comprehend this, but "Am I not merciful?!" is a question. Questions ends with a question mark. It's sad to see so many young people fail at basic English.

[@mjay6245]

​@OriginalPuro "Questions end* with a question mark". You shouldn't insult someone else's English unless yours is perfect.

[@JH-fk8ow]

''how Roman he looks'' that is ridiculous comment... there was red haired, blond haired and dark haired roman emperors and romans during the roman empire. Also the real commodus had neck beard, very curly hair and looked nothing like joaquin :D

[@jj-if6it]

It's nice to hear a celebrity be humble and honest like that, he gets nervous like everyone else. You could never tell from watching

[@dellong7959]

Thisis exactly what I was gonna post. So, Diddo!

[@winzyl9546]

ok

[@SL-zz7mg]

Watching interviews and listening to podcasts, you will hear a lot of celebrities talking about experiences just like this. Everyone gets nervous like everyone else

[@premiertrainingFL]

He fully encapsulates this character. His sickness is so obvious and so horrifying throughout the movie, his fear and his anger are so obvious. He literally crushed this

[@TheVioletCarousel]

Ridley Scott is a generous director. Genius. Love artists that use their power and talent well ❤

[@thelilthings79]

He was sooo good in this movie that, my husband literally has dislike for him because he was soooo believable. He is one the most talented actors in history, clearly.

[@mikaelafox6106]

Same 😂 I couldn't stand his character, even though I like him as a person. That's the sign of a great actor.

[@gymnast1284]

My husband hated him for the longest, cuz he was so hateable in that movie!!! Until I convinced him that it was just how good of an actor he was 😅

[@QueenOfKings0402]

Mine as well to the point he didn’t want to see Napoleon with me till I made him. He ended up liking the movie. I had to explain to him that the fact you hated his character in Gladiator so much means Joaquin did his job correctly. He earned his flowers.

[@RonaldHawes-sr3cr]

This movie made me realize just how good of an actor he was, and still is. His character turned my stomach, and the hatred just was unbelievable. It takes a great actor to make you feel like that.

[@GORILLA_PIMP]

Right i agree couldn't stand him Hated him on first sight

[@kyul9357]

Exactly! Russell was also superb as the protagonist. Takes a legendary actor to make us sympathetic the way he did

[@RonaldHawes-sr3cr]

@@GORILLA_PIMP Yup. The role he played in The Joker was incredible. World class.

[@Daniel__Nobre]

You can kind of feel the “sickness” in him, but sometimes almost in a way that makes you want to feel empathy towards him, like that evilness came from something beyond him, beyond his control. [spoiler below] Like when he kills his own father but you can feel the struggle between the love and need he had for his father and at the same time the anger and consequent powertrip overtaking him. Amazing acting indeed.

[@geroutathat]

What was so bad about him? I dont remember hating him.

[@fobbitoperator3620]

His role as Commodus was absolutely masterful. If I can genuinely HATE a character with a burning passion, the actor earned his keep!

[@Eveseptir]

What makes it how some who are born into wealth, affluence and royalty can use their advantages to be good and wise, while many more become afflicted with depravity?

[@fobbitoperator3620]

@@Eveseptir You speak of those who indulge themselves with debaucherous decomposition, by living within the confines of The 7 Deadly Sins. Those of us who walk the path of Christ are the Sword & Shield of Light, who shall soon defeat the evil ones. For the Bible tells us so!

[@realMaverickBuckley]

#TeamCommodus

[@whitleypedia]

You are merciful

[@fobbitoperator3620]

@@whitleypedia Ooohhh, you've been a busy little bee, haven't you?!?

[@1coldalpha]

What’s he’s saying is hard to believe. He was absolutely psychotic in the role…should’ve won an Oscar for that role

[@MentalWellth]

His performance is why this character is one of my favorite villains ever. No one could outdo this performance and this movie would not be the same without him.

[@weirdscience6820]

The actor in G2 who played the taller emperor did well also, in my opinion.

[@tarapiglet]

The character is himself terrified deep down - so it worked for the part so well.

[@cambec]

Oscar worthy. Visceral reaction to his character. So well acted. Amazing!!

[@erfansvideos]

He did get nominated for best supporting actor

[@elliemae2790]

You were perfect in that role. It helped make the movie what it was, be proud of yourself. We all have to start somewhere.

[@ahmadfaheem3346]

His natural human emotion at that moment made the acting as emperor perfect.

[@bitterellaselectricgroove8544]

His performance in Gladiator, was BRILLIANT!!

[@milanimorales2645]

The nervousness added to his characters personality. The character he played was intimidated by the gladiator's fame. It helped him seem more fragile which is basically how the script wrote his persona.😊 love it

[@3minutestill]

Now that's a genuine connection between actor and set ❤ He did an amazing job in the movie too ❤ He really did pull out the character while being so nervous

[@whatab0utb0b]

One of my absolute favorite villains in any movie. Such a complex character portrayed perfectly

[@portlandgoose4727]

The fact that this was his first big-screen film is absolutely insane. Talk about foreshadowing the ensuing legacy of a true Hollywood legend! EDIT: kinda regretful that I didn’t word this comment better, since it has caused a contentious debate centered around semantics. I should have said first major scale blockbuster, instead of first big-screen film. Admittedly, I was pretty young when Gladiator came out, but obviously nobody just gets a role like the role of Commodus without proving themselves to a certain extent. I don’t remember why I worded things the way that I did, but yeah….whoops. My bad y’all.

[@Crossword131]

Parenthood, dude, he was forgetting his own past. He was called Leaf then.

[@K.t.b.f.f.h]

No it's not 😂 ..started as a child actor

[@DushtYantr]

He had been in at least 5 major productions till then. Not as big as The Gladiator but for someone who had been acting for 10 years then, this is a bit odd

[@michaelanthony79]

He's one of the worst actors of all times.

[@BaileysMariner]

@@Crossword131 SPACE CAMP

[@sarahmata6293]

And that's the reason why he is an amazing actor who can really play any complex character perfectly❤

[@TheAvargas687]

You should of won an oscar for that role ,that movie worked cause of your acting as comodus ,one of the all time best villans on film

[@Ritercrazy]

Yes, he should have.

[@LLBP.]

Agreed!! "Am I Not Merciful!?" So good❤❤

[@-castradomis-1773]

To this day I say he was robbed of the Oscar for best supporting actor. He beyond killed it in that role.

[@scraperindustry]

Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus was just beautiful. He has this perfect mix of hateful jealousy but is also so stunningly handsome. Gladiator was such an amazing film

[@thenightporter]

The scene where he is with his father and just wants his father to love him is heart breaking and you can't help but sympathize with him. He played that few moments of heartbreak because he loves his father but at the same time hates him -- his facial expressions aere masteful. That line, where MA says something like, "your failures as a son are my failures as a father,' were narcissistic and revealed that MA didn't love Commodus; it was basically saying, "I have tried hard to love you because you are my son, but I just don't feel any love for you."

[@epizzle9232]

I LOVED everything about how he played that character. LOVED this is one of my all time favorite movies bc of him

[@BookishDark]

I love that this is the experience of someone so talented and that he’s not afraid to tell the story - you never think someone so talented is nervous

[@carrowcobb-cu2yh]

That is what made that character because you could see an underlying fear beneath the false confidence.

[@changer_of_ways_999]

Yeah. It made him far more nuanced, unsettling and memorable than if he was just a straightforward douche.

[@xeniamartin5297]

this is actually very refreshing to know. so many actors these days say like yeah, sure they were nervous but excited. they make it sound like after a few bad takes, you got it. he's letting you know you can still be in way over your head and still make it out okay. i love that

[@winzyl9546]

ok

[@eleethtahgra7802]

Nope. Its scott's credit.

[@notanotherjamesmurphy5574]

@xenia I totally agree. I was thinking, “Wow, I’ve been that nervous- he actually knows what it’s like- and he pushed beyond it.”

[@OakesPrincess]

boom, yes!!!!!!

[@pamelavarilone2614]

Joaquin you were absolutely mesmerizing in this role. We could not take our eyes off you.

[@play-fool]

this is totally one of those situations where the feelings of the actor reflect the feelings of the character and it actually feels like it makes them more in-depth and complex. Commodus is terrified at his core and the way it plays thru is one of the best villain performances in cinema

[@jopotin67]

He may have been green… but he was so perfect in that role👍🏻

[@SpencerDrummer]

Absolutely stunning performance. The nuances in this character, and the ability to almosttttt emphasize with him is pure genius. This movie never gets old, I probably know every line and I watch it at least once a year hahah.

[@slakeNsurge]

And then there’s people like me who, after all of these years knowing about it and loving Phoenix, still has yet to see it. 😅🤦‍♂️💀

[@vasconcelos7356]

​@@slakeNsurge why?

[@kozmosis3486]

Life is short. You owe it to yourself to not miss your chance to see this while you still can.@@slakeNsurge

[@Morganlefay789]

​@@slakeNsurge Oh please do. You will NOT regret it, I promise you. It really is great. You can believe the hype on this one ! 😊

[@Jukelikesgames]

Empathize

[@Mary-t5d5c]

I love him in some roles he plays, I hate him in others, and I pity him in some others. What a great actor.

[@jamesdelcol3701]

That director is talented. He knew he could get the right amount of that nervous energy and let it translate to the film. It was palpable in your voice for much of the film corresponding to the character's fallen nature. That was a really great aspect of that film. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@MavDillain]

Yeah, the director is Ridley Scott...

[@jamesdelcol3701]

He's the man we're talking about.@@MavDillain

[@Daniel__Nobre]

Ridley Scott by then already had a lot of experience and such a crazy curriculum, so he probably knew how to work with actors in different ways.

[@antoniodelaugger9236]

hard to believe its the same guy who made the recent napoleon movie

[@jamesdelcol3701]

This is what is notably important.@@Daniel__Nobre

[@ArchangelExile]

I think the way he played the role of Commodus was fantastic.

[@CarlaMata-r2z]

Joaquin absolutely stole the show. He should have gotten an Oscar for that. What a memorable role!

[@laurafry3023]

You are honestly one of the best actors ever!! Your work on this film was superb! God bless you and continue to create!!

[@jameslutian1977]

It worked perfectly on many levels. His character was basically a kid trying to figure out being a ruler, and you can see the fear in his eyes even when he's trying to not show it. Another reason this is one of the greatest films ever made.

[@SoLoDoLo77.]

That was his first major role? Wow there are levels to this lol it literally makes my skin crawl just seeing the character. What a performance

[@popeye697]

He'd been in a ton of movies by this point in his career, but this was his first role in a movie big enough and high profile enough where anyone involved could be nominated for an academy award

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

Agree, but he wasn't caring about Oscar part. He's happy, but not the point, I think The "big" part for him was the Director, actors, script, production, etc. and how he could really get into a movie like that. He was appreciative. @@popeye697

[@MsBerries25]

I would have never guessed. Joaquin NAILED it. One of the best villain performances of all time

[@KW-hd6yk]

One of my ALL TIME FAVORITE ACTORS and him as the villian of this movie was BRILLIANT!!!

[@forcedriven9328]

One of my favorites and he did amazing in it. Can’t believe he was nervous. He played it like a boss

[@monmothma3358]

Gladiator is where I discovered Joaquin Phoenix. I still remember how impressed I got at his disgusting yet complex villain. To think he felt like this... Oh, and props to Scott for the exposure therapy. That's how the pros do it. There's no way around the anxiety, you have to feel it and stay in it for it to get better.

[@JinKee]

Joaquin is the coolest actor in hollywood now with amazing range, it is reassuring to know that even he gets nervous sometimes

[@TarBoysWorldWide]

That is the role that should have won him an Oscar. It was such a big departure from who he really is.

[@CQC7BW729]

Joaquin Phoenix, with all that talent, one of the most genuine characterizations in moviedom... and he was considering himself as "so green" at that point. And that's why he's so awesome, and keeps getting better.

[@marcusmcgahee4924]

He doesn't get enough recognition for how great he was in this! And him talking about how Green he was and nervous makes me respect him more somehow and his mastery of his craft!!

[@daviday87]

This is a genius-level director move. Great directors have psychological tricks like this up their sleeve to get their teams to do exactly what they want. First time a director confided one of his tricks to me as an actor my mind was blown.

[@ALFirebird]

What was the trick the director told you about?🤓

[@organiclifestyleportrait6531]

He was absolutely amazing in this role, no other actor could’ve done it.

[@LittleBrassPegasus]

That terror helped him make his character one of the most memorable movie bad guys of my life.

[@dragonslayer616]

His role in this movie made me fall in love with him. He's been my favorite actor ever since. ❤️❤❤❤

[@lefish5277]

When I was a kid I couldn’t understand why I loved that character, even though he was the villain. It’s because even as a kid I could appreciate that his acting is beautiful.

Excellent movie. Powerful acting. Emotional intelligence. Had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next scene! ❤️❤️❤️I couldn’t tell you were green

[@mp9810]

My Classics teacher in high school took us to see this on a field trip when it first came out. Fucking amazing.

[@pammers5588]

He is such a great actor. I enjoy watching his movies. He fully immerses himself in each role