Joaquin Phoenix Quitting Movies

It seems like most actors go through a period where they quit the business for one reason or another. But a lot of them come back!

I’m hoping that’s the case with Joaquin Phoenix, who told “Extra” this week that he’s quitting movies to focus on his music pursuits. His publicist, Susan Patricola, confirmed it, saying that “Two Lovers,” his upcoming movie with Gwyneth Paltrow, would be his last.

“He has said that ‘Two Lovers’ is his last,” said Patricola. “But this is not strange. Joaquin has been directing music videos and been involved in music for the last number of years.”

More after the jump…

Phoenix first mentioned it while attending a fundraiser in San Francisco, abruptly ending the interview after the reporter wondered whether he was joking. (Well, I would have wondered, too!)

He’s so talented, and just blew me away with his role as Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line.” Acting probably is a challenging career, but maybe he’ll do more movies eventually. “Two Lovers” is scheduled for release on Feb. 13, 2008.

Image: Two Lovers, 2929 Production, 2008