I usually do not comment on Hollywood stars and their disconnected reality. However, since I first thought this was a joke meant to amplify his brilliant performance in Joker, it appears that Joaquin Phoenix is serious in announcing that he will wear the same tuxedo in all of his award ceremonies this year to reduce waste. It seems a declaration that preceded the statement from the movie that “I used to think that my life was a tragedy, but now I realize, it’s a f**king comedy.” Nevertheless, the sacrifice was met by breathless support from British designer Stella McCartney, who declared that she was “proud to join forces” with the “Joker” star.
I just saw the movie and thought it was one of the darkest films that I have watched. I also considered it one of the most brilliant performances that I have ever seen.
However, there often seems like Hollywood stars are as disconnected from reality as the main character. Saving the earth one tuxedo at a time is likely to leave most people less inspired than incensed at the size of the response in comparison to the problem. I get that we should “wear our clothes longer” but that might be a bit lower on a longer list of responses. As many of you know, I am a diehard environmentalist and favor major reforms to address climate change, species loss, and environmental pollution. However, this does not help us in that effort to suggest that not changing tuxedos is a meaningful effort to stop climate change.
McCartney exclaimed “this man is a winner” and noted that “wearing custom Stella because he chooses to make choices for the future of the planet.” Her tuxedos are advertised as a “sustainable luxury fashion brand” that never uses leather, skin, fur, or feathers. If that is the measure, I have been saving the planet for decades by forgoing any impulse for featherer, leather tux with fur trim.
I am left with the same question from Joker: “Is It Just Me Or Is It Getting Crazier Out There?”