Joaquin Phoenix is known for his intense acting style, often fully immersing himself in his roles. But when it came to Beau Is Afraid, he needed a little help tapping into the film’s dark humor. That’s where legendary comedian Nathan Lane stepped in.
Phoenix plays Beau Wassermann, a nervous, unlucky man caught in a series of bizarre and terrifying events. In one part of the film, Beau finds himself in the home of Roger (played by Lane), a seemingly kind suburban man. While Phoenix initially approached the scene with the same fear and anxiety as earlier parts of the movie, Lane gave him a crucial piece of advice: “This is supposed to be funny.”
Lane, an expert in comedy, helped Phoenix adjust his performance, reminding him that while Beau was still in a strange situation, he was “safe in suburbia”—even if something felt a little off. To help Phoenix loosen up, Lane even got him to interact with stuffed animals on set, since Beau was heavily medicated and barely able to speak in the scene.
Beau Is Afraid is a unique mix of comedy and horror, constantly shifting between absurd humor and unsettling moments. Phoenix’s performance works because, despite how ridiculous things get, the audience still feels for him. The scenes between Phoenix and Lane stand out as some of the best in the film, with Lane’s comedic instincts balancing Phoenix’s ultra-serious approach.
While Beau Is Afraid wasn’t a box office hit, it has all the makings of a cult classic. Thanks to Lane’s guidance, Phoenix was able to find the humor in the madness—making the film even more unforgettable.