Joaquin Phoenix Train-Wreck

No one steers a train-wreck quite like David Letterman. And by steer, I mean into a dramatic head-on collision. To say that Letterman succeeds at these ghastly interviews is an understatement. Sometimes Dave uses his wit to make quick comebacks or other times he may just goad the guest with his repetitiveness - but never underestimate his ability to wield the power of uncomfortable silence.

Well last night was another one of those nights. This time Joaquin Phoenix is in the crosshairs for what must have seemed like an eternity to him. If you've seen the Paris Hilton-not-wanting-to-speak-about-jail interview, then this is at least up to par. Personally I think it's better. For its sheer awkwardness, this should even compare to such classics as the infamous Crispin Glover interview of the late 1980's.

There is usually a reoccurring theme in most of these types of interviews... anger to an embarrassing topic or a loaded question... or the perceived notion of being impaired by a "substance" of some sorts. My favorite anger interview(s) came during the Pekar stint in the 80's, in which the two of them became practically combative over Harvey's mutliple appearances. Although my favorite "substance theory" interview is probably a tie between Glover and the notoriously bizarre Farrah Fawcett appereance. All of these can be found searching various video websites through the keywords of the guests' last names and Letterman. Good stuff.

The Joaquin Phoenix interview from last night will stand up to the test of time as well. Whereas a normally bad interview on some other late night talk show could get slashed back to a smaller segment, here Letterman rolls out the welcome mat and stretches this thing on for as long as he can - over 10 minutes. It's worth every minute too. Letterman knows controlled chaos like no other.

It should be noted though, that much of this could be for publicity.  It has been stated by some that Casey Affleck & Joaquin are supposedly working a movie about manipulating the media.  Let us not forget one of the greatest Letterman moments that occurred between Jerry Lawler and Andy Kaufman, which amazingly enough is considered the most bizarre... and totally staged (unbeknownst to Letterman), moments on the show.  Either way, fraud or odd, Joaquin will be placed high among the list of weird Letterman moments. 

Letterman: "Joaquin, I'm Sorry You Couldn't Be Here Tonight"

Due to removal, the previous video has been replaced by this 

shorter one. The original is about twice this long. Sorry.