Director James Gray Slams Joaquin Phoenix's New Career in Rap

James Gray, who directed the last film - Two Lovers - that Joaquin Phoenix appeared in before announcing his retirement from acting and transition to a career in rap, has come out and publicly slammed his efforts. He insists that Phoenix is "making a fool of himself."

In February, Phoenix appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman to promote Two Lovers. Instead of showing up as the clean-cut actor he used to look like, he sported a scraggly beard and sunglasses. Gray is furious with Phoenix for failing to cooperate with Letterman because his actions took public attention away from the film.

Gray says:

"It's like, Letterman was trying to get the movie out there, but the only thing that's out there now is a crazy person with a beard making a fool of himself!"

Many have speculated that Phoenix is simply pulling off an elaborate hoax, especially after it was discovered that his brother-in-law, Casey Affleck, was filming his new foray into the world of rap music.

Gray, however, fears that Phoenix may be taking his new project seriously:

"I've seen him in his house, and he has his own recording studio that he built right there. So if this is a hoax, then it's the most elaborate thing that I have ever seen.

"If it is shown to be a hoax, then that's great, because Joaquin will come back to acting. And he is something special. But if it isn't, you know, I think he needs, well, help."