Director James Gray says he is still unhappy with U.S. actor Joaquin Phoenix's behavior while he was promoting their new film Two Lovers.

U.S.

Joaquin Phoenix's publicist insists the Hollywood actor is sincere in his bid for a career as a rap artist. EW.com this week quoted two sources as saying the Gladiator and Walk the Line star's recent foray into hip-hop music is an elaborate hoax and something Phoenix views as an art project.

Joaquin Phoenix isn't really pursuing a career as a rap artist, two sources close to the Hollywood actor said. Phoenix, best known for his roles in Parenthood, Gladiator and Walk the Line, recently announced he was quitting the acting game so he could concentrate on his music.

Joaquin Phoenix says his first foray into the U.S.