Psychiatrist: Making Fun Of Joaquin Phoenix 'Beating Down On Mentally Ill'
Paul Dobransky tells the 'Los Angeles Times', Phoenix's 'socially inappropriate' behavior, such as his awkward Letterman interview reflects some of "the symptoms of schizophrenia", that can cause people to lose touch with reality. Dobransky says Phoenix's "appearance as well as his career change, poor hygiene and grooming, vocal tics and lack of facial emotion are classic symptoms of mental illness." "I was pretty offended by that skit at the Oscars," Dobransky tells the paper. "It struck me as potentially beating down on the mentally ill." "There is something wrong. And it's beyond drug abuse. The jury is not exactly in on what is happening but whatever it is, it's not funny -- whether it's drug abuse, mental illness coming on, or the clumsiest attempt ever at a career change." Meanwhile, Phoenix's publicist, Susan Patricola, isn't pleased: "How absolutely inappropriate for a doctor who has no personal interaction or relationship with someone to diagnose them. And to do so in a public forum?" "Hope they spelled his name right. Another 15-minute 'expert' is born! Astonishingly inappropriate."
A Chicago-based psychiatrist and relationships expert believes Joaquin Phoenix is mentally ill.
March 3, 2009 | |
