I'm not sure if Tarantino and/or Phoenix have mental health issues and if/how they treat them. I like both of these guys, and have watched a number of the movies they directed (Tarantino) or were in (both). Neither are "average Joes" for sure! Perhaps they embrace that. I still don't think that makes them always happy. I think they have struggles, too. Wealth and fame do NOT always bring happiness.

I admire both of the above, but I wouldn't want to be either. They do their things, and I do mine. They obviously make a lot more money than I do, and are recognized and admired by more people. But is that what I'd want? I do think they were in the right place at the right time. I don't know enough about Tarantino to say how he got his start, but Joaquin Phoenix was kind of pushed into the industry by his mother. He was benefited by that, by his brother, by his uniqueness, quite interesting upbringing, of course talent, and other things. I know that he has "kind of retired" at times, trying new things...and kind of failing. He seems to be quite selective about his roles, which I like about him.

I did see both The Joker and The Marriage Story. Driver was great, but I think Phoenix was even more amazing and had a more challenging role. I didn't see any of the other movies the Best Actor-Drama males were in, but between Driver and Phoenix, Phoenix deserves all the awards in this category. If people haven't seen The Joker, it's amazing! It could be triggering for some, though. It's NOT a light movie! It may have some link to the Batman story, but it's not a kids film!

I don't think I'm any lesser of a person than a famous person, so I don't see it as "Us (or Me) and Them".