Suspicions that Joaquin Phoenix's reinvention as a heavily bearded rapper is a hoax were fuelled when it transpired that his brother- in-law, Casey Affleck, is shooting a documentary on Phoenix's bizarre public appearances. However, James Gray, who directed Phoenix in the current release Two Lovers, has his doubts.

"I've seen him in his house, and he has his own recording studio that he built right there," Gray says. "If it is shown to be a hoax, then that's great, because Joaquin will come back to acting. But if it isn't, you know, I think he needs, well, help."