Russell Crowe Calls Joaquin Phoenix "Unprofessional" on Gladiator Set
The recent revelations from director Ridley Scott offer a fascinating look behind the scenes of the 2000 film Gladiator , specifically regarding the dynamic between its stars, Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. In a candid conversation, Scott shared that Phoenix experienced what could be described as "cold feet" on set. Crowe, who played the lead character Maximus, didn’t hold back, labeling Phoenix’s behavior “terribly unprofessional” when the latter almost backed out of a crucial scene. Phoenix portrayed Commodus, Maximus’s nemesis, and together, their performances created a memorable contrast between the hero and the morally twisted antagonist. However, it seems their on-screen rivalry sometimes found its way into real life.
Also Read:- Amazon Prime'sCitadel: Honey BunnyReinvents Spy Thrills with a Fresh Twist
- The Tragic End of Cyrine Ben Ghachem’s Disappearance: Found Dead After Weeks of Search
According to Scott, Phoenix was visibly apprehensive while filming a key scene. Wearing his character’s royal attire, Phoenix reportedly expressed his hesitation, saying, “I can’t do it.” This unexpected declaration left Scott and Crowe at a crossroads. Scott recalls the moment vividly, mentioning Crowe’s blunt reaction, describing Phoenix’s hesitation as “terribly unprofessional.” Yet, rather than let tensions escalate, Scott chose to take a gentle, supportive approach, seeing Phoenix’s vulnerability as something he could help him overcome. “I can act as a big brother or dad,” Scott reflected. His understanding and willingness to step into a mentor-like role seemed to make the difference, helping Phoenix push through his fears and deliver an iconic performance. The experience, Scott noted, was a challenging “baptism by fire” for them both.
Phoenix's hesitation in Gladiator wasn’t the last time he displayed a streak of unpredictability on set. Just recently, he walked away from Todd Haynes’ upcoming project shortly before filming, which led to the production being halted indefinitely. His history of last-minute changes to roles even impacted James McAvoy, who took on Phoenix’s dropped role in Split with only two weeks to prepare. In these situations, Phoenix’s perfectionism and occasional reluctance seem to reflect a broader pattern.
Phoenix himself addressed his decision to step away from projects, citing a reluctance to comment on situations when others are not present to share their side. This characteristic restraint shows a sensitivity to collaborative respect, a quality that has likely influenced how he approaches his work and his on-set decisions.
Read More:
0 Comments