Joaquin Phoenix is defended from claims of being 'difficult' to work with by director James Gray

dailymail.co.uk:

Joaquin Phoenix was defended from claims of being 'difficult' while working on film sets by director James Gray during an interview with Vulture that was published on Thursday.During the sit-down, the 53-year-old filmmaker spoke about his admiration for the 48-year-old performer's dedication to his craft.Gray, who is currently preparing for the release of his upcoming movie Armageddon Time, also spoke about working with the Phoenix on the set of their 2012 film The Immigrant.

No big deal: Joaquin Phoenix was defended from claims of being 'difficult' while working on film sets by director James Gray during an interview with Vulture that was published on Thursday; he is seen in 2020Gray began by expressing that working with Phoenix provided him with a creative challenge, for which he was grateful.'He's not difficult.

He's great. He's "difficult" in the best way. You want that difficult,' he said. The filmmaker went on to speak about why the Joker star has been given the label of being hard to work with over the years. 'With Joaquin, the "difficult" label comes because he gets very open about his vulnerability and his need to feel safe in a space,' he said.

Enjoying it: Gray began by expressing that working with Phoenix provided him with a creative challenge, for which he was grateful. 'The "difficult" label comes because he gets very open about his vulnerability and his need to feel safe in a space,' he said; seen in October Gray did recall one situation in particular where Phoenix did give his collaborators a hard time while prepping for a role. 'Joaquin in table reads, when it's his turn to speak, he'd say, "Bulls***, bulls***, bulls***, my line.