Joker and the top 10 films of Joaquin Phoenix (so far)
By Rachel Roth
9. Parenthood
Original Release Date: August 2, 1989
Box Office: $126 million
Critical Reception: Critical acclaim, receiving a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and two Oscar nominations for Best Actress (Diane West) and Best Original Song (“I Love to See You Smile”). Since the film’s release, there have been two TV series adaptations, one in 1990 and another in 2010.
About the Role: Joaquin Phoenix plays a troubled young man coping with his parent’s divorce whilst going through the confusing time period that is puberty. He has a supporting role and doesn’t have a whole lot of screentime but he does a lot with the amount that he’s given.
He’s a possible “problem-child” that leaves the house with barely a goodbye, armed with a mysterious brown paper bag. When he’s not doing that, he’s skulking around the house like a little mouse looking for cheese. The most interesting thing about his appearance in Parenthood is that he’s credited as Leaf Phoenix instead of Joaquin Phoenix.
Simply the Best: If Parenthood teaches us anything, it’s that being a parent is a job you can never retire from and that everyone messes up their kids eventually. No matter who they are, every parent will most likely become the source of a therapy discussion at some point in the future. The film is directed by Ron Howard and co-written by Howard, Lowell Ganz, and Babaloo Mandel. It’s based on their combined experiences from growing up and raising their own children later in life.
With an incredible ensemble cast consisting of Steve Martin, Tom Hulce, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, and Dianne Wiest, Parenthood is a family film that feels exceedingly authentic. About three sets of families, each struggling with their own domestic disputes, the film takes a careful look at both the best and worst moments of family life. It’s heartwarming but not overly sappy. A very funny film.