The Dark side of Joaquin Phoenix

One of Joaquin Phoenix's most memorable roles was the dark, divided and tormented Commodus, who battled with Maximus (Russell Crowe) in 'Gladiator'.

The actor is one of the finest in Hollywood, and his characters are complex but is he the right choice to play Lex Luthor in the upcoming Batman/Superman movie?

According to Variety, it's early days for the casting decision on the movie, but the very idea of Joaquin Phoenix playing the bad guy, is quite intriguing. Character actors in a blockbuster could really add depth to this new super-franchise, if it works.

Warner Bros made an interesting choice with Heath Ledger playing the Joker. People didn't connect with that casting news until people saw the film. It was an iconic role for the actor, who tragically lost his life, and earned a post-humous Oscar.

Joaquin Phoenix is not the kind of actor who would do a high-budget blockbuster film, but as a villain, could this be an ideal role to lift the movie's cast? He's certainly got the panache to pull off a sinister and cunning villain. What do you think?

Joaquin Phoenix in 'Gladiator'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4jynjGTNLY