Christine Vachon Calls Phoenix Film Exit a Tragedy

At the San Sebastián International Film Festival, producer Christine Vachon expressed her dismay over Joaquin Phoenix's abrupt exit from a gay romance film directed by Todd Haynes, labeling the situation a 'tragedy.' Vachon emphasized that Haynes, who is 62, has a limited number of films left to make, and the lost opportunity for a collaboration with Phoenix represents a significant cultural loss. The film was intended to explore an intense relationship between two men in the 1930s, with production set to begin in Guadalajara, Mexico, before falling through. Despite attempts to salvage the project, it ultimately collapsed, leaving many crew members without work. Phoenix has refrained from discussing his departure, citing the absence of other creatives' perspectives as a reason for his silence. Vachon's remarks highlight the growing challenges within the film industry regarding risk-taking on ambitious projects.