James Gray On Joaquin Phoenix: "A Crazy Person With A Beard Making A Fool Of Himself"

Director James Gray has moved on to the UK for his "Two Lovers" press junket, and he's speaking out more on the film's leading man, "crazy person" Joaquin Phoenix.

Phoenix quit acting to pursue his rap career, is chronicling his transformation in a Casey Affleck-shot documentary, and was last seen in his now-infamous Letterman appearance - which he was booked on to promote "Two Lovers."

Gray is none-too-pleased that his film is now known for Phoenix's antics and said as much to The Times during an interview:

"It's like, Letterman was trying to get the movie out there, but the only thing that's out there now is a crazy person with a beard making a fool of himself!" says Gray, still seething today at the "circus" surrounding Phoenix...

Gray spits at the name, calling him a "clown". "I have no idea what the hell that guy is shooting," he says. "The whole thing is not to my taste, and I've let Casey know this."

As for the reports the whole thing may be a hoax, Gray said:

"If it is shown to be a hoax, then that's great, because Joaquin will come back to acting. And he is something special. But if it isn't, ye know, I think he needs, well, help."

Read the whole Gray profile.