The Most Misunderstood Man In Hollywood

There are very few actors, both past and present, who have had a lifestyle as turbulent, creatively fulfilling, and intriguing as Joaquin Phoenix. Let's take a deep dive into his life and career, and just how exactly he's gotten to this point.
All Music/Sound FX licensed via Motion Array

[@Renzy_YT]

Hey guys! Thank you so much for the love on this video. Very excited to see that with enough time, it eventually found its audience. If you liked this one, please consider subscribing! Cheers 🍻♥

[@hannahmoran3660]

I think Joaquin Phoenix is one of the most genuinely original talents in Hollywood. His fierce guarding of his privacy and his shy nature is constantly misunderstood by a culture that highly values accessibility and constant socialization. I've counted myself as a fan for years, and I believe that I will always continue to be one!

[@nicky9589]

Lol. He's a joker....😂😂 a real 💯 joke

[@yuhcuh6574]

alr bro @@nicky9589

[@lexkanyima2195]

He distance himself since his brother River died.

[@Winkle-Dinkle]

@@nicky9589wrong 😅 👎

[@sadem1045]

Joaquin Phoenix is honest, sensitive and is unwilling to be anyone but himself. I really admire him.

[@piglet3242]

River's story always makes me sad man. He seemed so genuine and kind :(

[@anabolicjesus6717]

I wish i had never heard the 911 call

[@hannahmoran3660]

@@anabolicjesus6717It’s so heartbreaking- Joaquin’s sobs and pleads for someone to get there have never left me

[@Awksi]

That’s what makes the ending of “Stand By Me” hit like a fucking freight train.

[@scott9235]

Happens to everyone like him in this industry. I'm surprised Keanu is still here honestly.

[@TexasBulldog74]

He looks IDENTICAL to his father. Crazy

[@RivalHades-mk1xl]

Holy cow. I googled and its insane

[@Koluvuma]

Legit. A clone of his father

[@wozniakowski1217]

Nothing better than a smell of a freshly baked soon-to-go viral essayist in the morning

[@DeusEx328]

Glazing but facts

[@Glotov444]

100%

[@elmochomo8218]

21k views after a month you lied to us all

[@usamah5550]

​@@elmochomo821825k

[@zarkkyyyyyae]

@@DeusEx328fr 💀

[@bobin1191]

this video essay style content being produced at such a high quality is insane from someone who is yet to blow up. Keep going, you'll soon get the recognition you deserve

[@Renzy_YT]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@asdfkjahsdfkls1123]

damn, that ending. Joaquin naming his son River after his late brother. As Renzy was talking about the birth of his son, I anticipated he'd name him after his brother. I cried. It's understandable he'd keep his family away from the public eye, after all they're the reason they caused so much trouble to his family during the most vulnerable parts of his life. I hope he manages to heal, but scars don't just disappear. The Phoenixes are another victim to the media, how sad. Shame on all those that harassed his family.

[@martafuentes4453]

His brother River predicted that he would be a better actor then him. He turn out too be a great actor. River is looking down from heaven and smiling.

[@telisaluther6602]

The loss of his brother I think made a huge impact on him. It was a very public incident and shown a light on him and his family. Joaquin is a very talented man and his brother was too. Not a day goes by for most genXers that we don't miss and wish River was still here and acting. I think River would be extremely proud of Joaquin and his acting career. I know I am.

[@lexkanyima2195]

He can't ever let go

[@khadijaah90]

He was a revelation for me in Gladiator, loved to hate him as Commodus in my teen years. His role in Her made him hold a special place in my heart, that movie is a masterpiece and the soundtrack (chief's kiss). And the Joker cemented the love I have for this man as an actor and the project that he choses to be part of. Truly one of the greatest in Hollywood and a beautiful human being

[@Awksi]

Gladiator is literally my favorite movie of all time because of his and Russell Crowe’s performances

[@dimithri9429]

Oh wow he called his son River - that’s so beautiful

[@guybarryman842]

Just came across you from your Connan video and I’m so impressed by your content, a well deserved subscribe. I can’t wait to see you blow up!

[@LavaLampLady]

For real, just checked how many subs he had when I read your comment and I’m amazed, I thought he was popular already for how good these are.

[@the_silentdude]

I have an assignment deadline here, but now I'm watching your video essays with awe... Please keep doing what you're doing. I know how hard it is to put all these up in one video.

[@Renzy_YT]

Thank you for the kind words 🙏🏼

[@dubby9723]

This was one of the best KZbin videos I have seen in a very long time, the end almost brought me to tears. You deserve high praise and everything positive that comes with it.

[@Renzy_YT]

What a kind comment. Thank you for the support!

[@user-um5tp5zg7h]

I wouldn't call 1974 "the height of the counterculture movement" - in fact, it had significantly dissipated by that time. Most historians see the 1960's counterculture movement as beginning around 1964 and ending around 1972. The explosion of the counterculture ideology took place in 1967 ("The Summer of Love") and it's generally agreed that the movement's peak year was 1969 -- with the Woodstock Music Festival being held in Upstate New York that summer. Associating 1974 with Hippies is like asserting that The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was the most popular show on television in 2005.

[@extremerz14]

Sincerely thank you for such a great portraial of a man I became a massive fan of during the video. Since youre so calm it creeps up on you in a genuine way, rather than the rest of youtube being constantly in your face. This is some serious 1 million subscribers content. Please keep to the grind and this will be your well paying, full time job.

[@Renzy_YT]

Thank you for the kind words! I’ll do my best :)

[@BenFM]

I second this, I really appreciate creators who don't feel the need to put out obnoxiously clickbait thumbnails into what seems to be a shouting match with themselves, laced with exaggerations. Thanks Renzy for being a solid creator.

[@TexasBulldog74]

Such an amazing actor. He held his own with HER and just killed it in Gladiator. Great talent

[@KadenAlbrecht]

Im sorry her is my favorite movie of all time its truly a masterpiece

[@kiddozoo]

Just reading his bio, the guy came from a unique childhood, loves privacy, clings to sincerity and honesty, and shares a talent with authenticity. It's amazing he's survived....and I'm one who feels we are better with him in our world.

[@Eli-mb9uo]

genuinely thought this was a way bigger channel, you deserve so much more love this video essay and quality was incredible, keep doing your thing🙏🏼

[@lovelymurder_0013]

I heavily relate to having your older brother being your biggest supporter, pushing you to never give up on a skill they see you can succeed at, all around being your rock and someone you look up too. It’s something everyone deserves in life.

[@elizalol222]

i never thought a video essay on someone i know so little about would bring me to tears, but this one did. joaquin seems like an awesome guy and i hope him and his family are doing amazing

[@arianelevesque3899]

Joaquin Pheonix is at last a celebrity that shows us we can be ourselves and be successful, instead of desperately trying to fit in a mould. I'm sure it came to bit him in the ass many times in his career that he wouldn't be a Yes Man, but I'm so proud for him and it's so inspiring seeing people staying true to themselves, no matter what.

[@myricn]

I cant imagine losing your brother, whos been there to push your success and protect you. Its horrible. I gotta day though..his relationship seems so genuine, I’m so happy for him. Also, amazing video. Subscribed❤️

[@cherrybomb7487]

Always loved Joaquin. On another note Renzy, I just found your channel tonight and I hope your channel blows up! Such a knowledgeable and calming presence... I'm going to be a fan for a long time, keep it up!

[@Renzy_YT]

Thank you!! Will do 😌

[@gorddihiryn444]

what a good video man, I've watched a couple of yours now which have been real good. keep up the great work 🙏

[@eddo8423]

Yo me too, amazing video. I was stunned to find they you don’t have millions of views

[@PTkortbroek]

Wow! Just wow! You told his story so beautifully you had me choking up. I’ve always been drawn to his acting because there is something so human and genuine about the way he portrays his characters. It all makes sense now when you get know a little bit about the man behind it. Thank you!

[@natural20_]

dude, you pick some of the most interesting topics and explore it so thoroughly. I have never been so engrossed into actors; I never follow any, and yet i say this.

[@Renzy_YT]

Thank you for the kind words! ❤️

[@natural20_]

@Renzy_YT I don't watch many people talk on topics or do video essays but nakeyjakey, nerdwriter, and now you. are some of my favorites, such unique choices of topics.

[@Renzy_YT]

@@natural20_ happy to hear that :D

[@insertnamehere4406]

Wow, beautifully done video-essay. I looked at the like/view count after i watched the whole video, I expected way way more. Hope you get the attention you deserve, keep up the good work!!!

[@Renzy_YT]

What a kind comment, thank you!

[@AnujBorua]

You gained a new subscriber today buddy. Amazing narration.

[@LostGirl415]

Thank you for such a great video on so many talented artists. This one has been my fav so far (watched 3 in a row.) I've always appreciated both River and Joaquin but this video has confirmed my feelings and admiration for them. HER is also my fav Joaquin movie.

[@Renzy_YT]

Thank you for the kind words! ❤️

[@chrisearth6953]

Dude - Your future is bright in creating these styles of videos. Great job.

[@sjd1446]

I watched your Conan video first, then I watched this one. Following and looking forward to seeing more.

[@ZGaMeR2k3]

I did the same. Holy cow, this is some premium content over here. And here I was thinking the KZbin algorithm was broken beyond repair! :)

[@cherrybomb7487]

@@ZGaMeR2k3 @sjd1446 Same as both of you! The chef that got rid of his three Michelin stars is also very intriguing! We have officially gotten out of the KZbin algorithm rut that only shows us the same three channels thank God...

[@samanthaginnifer7374]

Beautifully done! I really enjoyed watching that so I'm off to binge watch the rest of your content 😊

[@nightshade2000x]

This was such a good video, keep up the good work!! This is a joy to watch

[@revivaltjikotoke8078]

A very shy, humble and kind gentleman. Thank you for sharing his story with us.

[@Al-Storm]

He's a true acting genius. Joker was amazing, and it wasn't controversial, but only to perpetually offended clowns.

[@PlanetShlorpian]

He's a good but misunderstood dude. I've always valued his work in animal rights and veganism, and he's one of the few famous Hollywood vegans who is probably never going to abandon his dedication to compassion for animals by falling back on his word. He's been vegan since the age of three and it was probably the sole redeeming aspect of being raised by his psycho parents. Thankfully he never replicated the abuse on anyone else, however it's tragic how most of his hatred seems to be directed inward when people already attack him while he's down. Joaquin actually experienced real trauma, not the often self inflicted victimhood so many Tinseltown celebrities seem to indulge in.

[@emonora100]

This made me tear, ur take on his life is so beautiful, thank you

[@TASoulMusic]

Anyone who’s a fan of Joaquin is a friend of mine! Great video!! Of the goat!!! Now a Tobey video! Keep up the great work

[@coralburriss3546]

I've always admired him as an actor. Good video essay!

[@danila5631]

I was raised by the same cult that Joaquin, River and Rose McGowan were raised in. None of us kids came out “normal” from it… I mean how could we?

[@Magdalena8008s]

The whole Im Still Here situation is brilliant. I remember when it was happening in the moment. Not saying it was a crazy prediction. But i remember how many people were certain he went full; "crazy". Her is my favorite as well. As a lifelong skateboarder Spike Jonze is a hero. And it still baffles me and scares me on a level that some see Joker as the hero. Sounds hyperbaric but i see posts often about it still evertime something is spoke about the film.

[@brunoactis1104]

Small correction to a great video: by 1974 the counter culture you're talking about has basically died some years before. The peak was 1967-68, it's curiously well defined actually, by the 1970 the movement almost instantly died and absolutely stopped growing, only leftovers remained. I'd know since i wrote an essay for college (the best of my class, although i quite that year lol) about the whole deal. The movement literally died with the Beatles, which i find tremendously poetic.

[@stevenmcnicoll5060]

Beautiful and sensitive essay on an extremely beautiful and sensitive artist. Thank you.

[@LisaSmith-yb2uz]

YESSS!!!❤ and I am Sooo psyched to finally see and hear more about his future film he’s working on with director Todd Haines !! 🤗❣️

[@tika2glamorous]

This was very well put together. ❤

[@stormchaser419]

One of the best actors. So so talented. Commodus in Gladiator. Robbed. He has so many great performances.

[@codycraig4321]

I just cried towards the end of this, incredible video about an incredible man

[@oogly--boogly]

I think this title is B's people have been understanding him for a while now and have been praising him for his wholesome humble attitude and pointing out the pain he has inside. I feel like this hasn't been a secret

[@swiftafboii]

Joaquín making Brother bear, a tale about losing a big brother… damn.

[@master2uall88]

Well I'm happy that he found somebody to share companionship with and enjoy the world together and I honestly from the bottom of my heart hope it never ends and that they stay happy together forever and ever because he seems like a genuine sweetheart in real life and I absolutely love him as an actor, but even if he wasn't an actor I would still want and wish for him nothing but happiness so I hope it never ends and I hope they live happily ever after forever, cuz we all know how 99% of the Hollywood marriages and relationships always work out and it's not good 99% of the time if you want a perfect example of how it can go bad just look at Will Smith and his narcissistic Psychopathic wife ex-wife whatever she is Jada Pinkett Smith who is Satan reincarnated in the flesh

[@rheanonjasmyne]

I can remember when " The Warriors " was released, and the controversy of that film. I was 24 and my brother 13. I took him to see the movie. I have always watched a movie to be ENTERTAINED, and I was ENTERTAINED !

[@ImpeccableRainn]

Joaquin played kenai in brother bear which is my favorite disney movie so i will always be a fan of his

[@Ziad0426]

How you only have 37k subscribers, I have no idea.

[@Renzy_YT]

thanks :D in due time

[@AbyssArchive]

This is about to be on everyone's recommended for the next 20 years.

[@devak45167]

HER was a triumph. Truly superb film in every way

[@MrBucket9158]

criminally underrated channel

[@izshtar]

i love this guy, just watched Beau and I hope to see him more on the artsy side of films.

[@user-ff2gx8fy4e]

JOAQUIN IS A FANTASTIC MAN AND I HOPE HE KNOWS THAT 🐾🌺🌻🐞

[@silverbification]

Love your videos man keep it up

[@NotB_Rice]

He's one of my favorite actors of all time; I love this man.

[@AllIsWellaus]

Where to start. Simply when Joaquin Phoenix cried out, "Am I not merciful!", it remember so clearly how it ran my blood cold and not a sound was made outside of the gasp coming from the seats. I agree when that classic acknowledgement or Hollywood's reverence for 'a star born', was actually made.

[@JessicaFEREM]

Looks like I have a few new movies to watch thanks

[@smooth2053]

I loved watching Her I was only 12 when I first watched it and it’s stuck with me forever

[@cecechery]

this was beautiful. thank you.

[@sagarhabib4037]

All hail, we have a new essayist in town. And you know what? he is actually preety good.

[@TheRealEtaoinShrdlu]

Did Werner Hertzog arrive first to the scene of Joaquins accident?!

[@jessicapn2089]

Crying 😫❤️ great job

[@NinjaBooKitty]

Jaoquin and Shia. Love them both!

[@chatese]

Saying I’m here before he gets viral 🤞

[@dragonmummy1]

He’s beautiful. I watched Cmon Cmon on a plane to South Africa, despite the fact that the sound track was broken and it was really a silent movie. I watched it on the way back, even though the sound track was still broken.

[@SongofaBeach2012]

I dont think Joaquin Phoenix was ever the same after losing his brother River. Add to that he was there the night he overdosed ans witnesses it. Who would be a normal person after experiencing such tragedy?

[@lexkanyima2195]

Nobody, which it lack alot of understanding.

[@jamierainz8514]

Brother bear did 250 million!? Wow I do not remember that. Hes soooooo talented but dang walk the line was so goooood. Seeing the john c riley copy of it was pretty funny too.

[@thomas_weinreich]

I love the quote "absolute power corrupts absolutely"

[@master2uall88]

I love him as an actor he's in my top three of greatest actors of all time and like I said he's just wonderful. And the movie Her is absolutely awesome as fuck, and the Joker movie blew me away my only problem that's coming up soon enough is Joker part 2 which is supposed to be a musical from beginning to end and I absolutely hate musicals so I won't watch that movie

[@mugs4439]

Great video

[@zardaboi2652]

His cult upbringing is something that always made me respect him. Must’ve been so difficult. I have a lot of respect for joaquin. I wish river was still here

[@valdemarnymanostlund6588]

how are you at only 12k subs??

[@VansangluraVanchhawng]

Dammit I love this man!

[@anthonylimon821]

That's cool I want to watch gladiator now

[@eaea2332]

Joaquin, consistently, choose prime roles which demand bigger efforts and a lot of character

[@js1465s]

River would be proud of his younger Brother, and River will be proud of his Father.

[@Kingcobra6699]

This is one of the few actors I like in most roles. The others I usually don't like in most roles. I know nothing at all about him. I wondered that he seems to have played the Joker, I saw him mostly in more independet movies. Movies with him in a leading role I usually consider watching - this is all I know.

[@asgardali22]

Her is also my favorite of joaquin phoenix's. Theres such a beauty of it. Of a man that finds joy and wonder in the world again bc of an A.I. type voice. Everyone I tell about this movie thinks it's weird bc he falls in love with a robot. But I think it's eye opening, and again gorgeous.

[@EOP02]

13:30 -wait what? Verner Herzog was an ambulance attendant ? That.. isnt really that surprising

[@vcupiano]

If Werner Herzog coming upon you randomly in a nearly deadly car crash isn’t manifest destiny, I don’t know what is.

[@Frenchylikeshikes]

He may be misunderstood, but the funny thing is that he doesn't give a crap.

[@kroneexe]

1:08 did you even watch the video bro?!???

[@ffucko]

Whats the song when you say porto rico?

[@krumblemumble8628]

I had no idea that he was a part of the Children of God cult. That is so scary and interesting

[@nmutua11]

how long does it take you to make these videos?

[@Renzy_YT]

Maybe a week usually? give or take a couple days. Any sooner and I burn myself out/drag my feet during the process. This one took a bit longer just due to it being 20+ mins.

[@nmutua11]

@@Renzy_YT was totally expecting you to say it takes like a month lol. Try not to get burnt out!

[@deadlyfemboy4289]

Im sure Joaquin surely and greatly mourns the fact that his brother isnt here to see his younger sibling succeed, sibling love is a pure type of love, its a bond imo greater than the parent's, i might be wrong and i surely am in some cases, but a sibling will never judge you when you fall, they will try to understand you and try lift you up.. my older brother helped me conquer my addiction, over the years never giving up, while my parents only gave me judgemental looks, i still love them

[@mohamedelgendy3972]

Anyone knows the name of the music in the background

[@misterm1336]

I don’t misunderstand him, I believe he is one of the finest actors in USA if not the world.

[@mutombosays780]

Damn bro i didn't know who was Joaquin Phoenix till Joker

[@GinaRobbins-by1qh]

I want to give him hug, Sad soul. I understand 100% his feelings though. Maybe , someday, after my legal problems is over. I want to talk to him as a friend.

[@laaurayepez]

i cried at the end.

[@kellyredmond4749]

Exactly what I was thinking 😮

[@taylors4243]

Leaf was the first actor I loved to watch. I watched his movie almost every weekend, and wanted to be an astronaut because of it. as a professional, he is great

[@Rebecca-x]

Joaquin is so talented his brother tho River so talented as well! Such a shame his life was cut short. RIP River