Walking the line with Joaquin

'In some sense when you finish, it's wonderful to not have to emote, to not worry about juggling all these different emotions, and to be able to feel nothing.' Phoenix says. 'At the same time, it's a very strange process, you suddenly go from a lot of energy, a lot of pressure every day, to "there's nothing in front of me, I can do whatever I want... what do I do?"'

Phoenix had to find something to replace the emptiness he felt after distancing himself from Cash's character. 'You have to rediscover your life and what you enjoy doing on a daily basis, because for months you have a very clear idea of what your day will be like, so it's always a strange process,' he explained.

Right now, I doubt he will struggle to keep himself entertained. With a Golden Globe already under his belt for his performance and the Oscars just around the corner, Phoenix - press-shy or not - has cemented himself once again as a dedicated actor who adds intriguing layers and endless depth to every character he touches.

As I left I made a joke about how fast the time had gone, to which he quipped 'Really? Most of the other journalists only got five minutes; I think I gave you ten'. Like Cash, it seems Phoenix too has two distinct personalities; the spiky, press-shy enigma portrayed in the media, alongside a surprisingly gentler, more thoughtful man who'll give anyone an extra five minutes - as long as they ask the right questions.