During the filming of “Beau Is Afraid”, actor Joaquin Phoenix experienced a fainting spell, interrupting a crucial scene featuring Patti LuPone. This behind-the-scenes tidbit was shared by the film’s director, Ari Aster, during a post-screening Q&A session.
On a day that many assumed to be an April Fool’s treat, attendees expected to watch “Midsommar” followed by a brief sneak peek of “Beau Is Afraid”. Much to their surprise, they were treated to a full screening of the forthcoming Aster movie, which is slated for an April 21 release.
The post-screening discussion, steered by Emma Stone, unveiled the incident where Phoenix, despite being off-camera, fainted and unintentionally intruded on LuPone’s scene. Phoenix portrays the central character, Beau, in this film, which chronicles his momentous journey to meet his mother, portrayed by LuPone.
Elaborating on the incident, Aster recounted, “During a high-octane scene focused on Patti, Joaquin unexpectedly dropped out of the frame. The disruption upset me, given it was turning out to be a brilliant shot. When I rushed to check, I found him lying on the floor.”
Aster continued, emphasizing Phoenix’s dedication: “What struck me was Joaquin letting others assist him. The fact that he passed out during someone else’s moment, despite being off-screen, and was so engrossed to the extent of fainting is quite telling. There’s a certain poetic justice to him faltering during another’s scene.”
Aster, in the past, has humorously compared “Beau Is Afraid” to a “Jewish version of Lord of the Rings with the catch that the protagonist is simply heading to his mother’s place.” He’s also vocalized his desire to make viewers truly feel the essence of being an underdog.
Mark your calendars for “Beau Is Afraid”, hitting theaters on April 21.