Joaquin Phoenix returns to 'The Late Show with David Letterman'

Joaquin Phoenix returns to "The Late Show with David Letterman" Wednesday night (Sept. 22), his first appearance on the show since his much ballyhooed appearance a year ago when he appeared to be totally off-the-rails crazypants, which it turns out was for Phoenix and Casey Affleck's faux documentary about Phoenix.

"You know I've always liked you," Letterman says at the beginning of the interview, "I've been to see your movies, I've always liked you. I recognize you as a powerful talent - that Johnny Cash thing, you were tremendous in that. And then a year- and-a-half ago, you come out and, honestly, it's like you slipped and hit your head in the tub. And I knew immediately when you sat down, something ain't right, because if you're really the way you appeared to be, you don't go out. You know what I mean? People don't let guys like you out if you're really like that. You don't go out."

"Right," Phoenix responds.  "Yeah," says Letterman, and after an awkward pause, the host asks, "So what do you have to say for yourself?" 

"Well, thank you for letting me come on the show last time," Phoenix says.  "Yes, well, we've been dying to have you back a year-and-a-half," remarks, and Phoenix adds, "No, I meant last time, but this time as well."

Phoenix's entire interview can be seen on "Letterman" Wednesday night at 11:35 p.m. ET on the CBS. Also on the show is music legend Tom Jones.

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Photo credit: CBS