Back in 2007, the James Gray-directed We Own the Night featured prominent Hollywood actors like Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Robert Duvall, and Eva Mendes in a performance that has been hailed by many as a powerful and archetypal noir.

While the critics’ consensus on the film was on the cynical and unfavorable end, most of the viewers were unanimously appreciative of the actors’ talent and their skilled character embodiment, which was enough to make the convoluted narrative work.

We Own the Night (2007)
In an interview, co-producer and leading actor of the film Joaquin Phoenix shed some light on the experiences of having to work with exuberant co-star Mark Wahlberg on the James Grey-spearheaded endeavor, along with some intriguing behind-the-scene tidbits here and there.

What Is We Own the Night (2007) All About?

The film, which has been described as a slow-paced neo-noir crime thriller, follows the story of a nightclub manager named Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix), who decided to become the master of his own fate by turning away from his family’s law enforcement background, with his father Albert Grusinsky (Robert Duvall) being a renowned Deputy Chief of Police. Set in the late 1980s, in Brooklyn, New York, Bobby’s nightclub is often regularly visited by Russian mobsters and drug lords.

Bobby’s life, however, takes a turn for the worst when his brother Joseph Grusinsky (portrayed by Mark Wahlberg), who happens to be an up-and-coming NYPD officer, is appointed to lead an anti-narcotics unit. Joseph informs Bobby about a police raid that he plans to carry out at El Caribe, the latter’s nightclub, in hopes of catching Russian druglord and gangster Vadim Nezhinski.
Joaquin Phoenix and Eva Mendes in the 2007 film

As the movie progresses, we bare witness to Bobby’s entanglement within the conflict, as both his brother and father become active targets of the Russian mob.

While he initially attempts at staying neutral, such efforts immediately go down the drain. This marks the exploration of various themes but particularly the idea of moral dilemmas and the battle between the preservation of one’s self-interests and loyalty to one’s family.

The film, upon release, was faced with mixed reviews. While some deemed it entertaining, others believed that the movie was too caught up in having to weave a narrative around bland clichés. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has received a 57% on the Tomato Meter. On IMDb, it has a 6.8/10 rating. At the box office, the film amassed a commendable $55.3 million.

The James Gray-directed endeavor, despite its reception, allowed esteemed actor and Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix to immerse himself in an experience he recalls being enjoyable.

Joaquin Phoenix On Working With Co-star Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg as Joseph Grusinsky and Joaquin Phoenix as Bobby
In an interview with Collider, the 48-year-old actor was asked about his on-set experience with co-star Mark Wahlberg. The actor began with a witty, light-hearted statement, “He’s gorgeous to look at.”

Phoenix, then, with a serious approach to the question at hand, remarked on Wahlberg’s hardworking and persevering nature. The actor then commended his co-star for having a sense of authenticity in his performances, which is something he appreciates the most about the Transformers alum.

Drawing a comparison with his own capabilities, Joaquin Phoenix lauded Mark Wahlberg for his ability to undertake even the most unpredictable initiatives. The latter could be thrown into anything and still emerge triumphant.

The Joker star recalled a particular instance where James Gray, the writer, and director of the 2007 film, came to them with new dialogues. This happened as the two were walking into the set. It was a sudden occurrence. While Phoenix felt panicked and broke into a cold sweat, Wahlberg maintained a calm, contained composure.
Mark Wahlberg
This, to the Her alum, was astonishing.

Following is an excerpt of the statement made by Phoenix:
“… I remember doing this scene with him [Mark Wahlberg] and James had just come up with brand new dialogue for him literally, as we’re walking to set, he’s come up with this new dialogue and I had some as well so, of course, I’m sweating and panicking and figuring out how am I gonna say this? Mark looks really comfortable. Then we go to set and he absolutely, f*cking nailed the scene. It was unbelievable to me that somebody could do that because it took me a while to get anywhere.”
Phoenix concluded by stating that Wahlberg had an “unpretentious” attitude about him, where it felt like he was “there” in all the scenes. From this, we can deduce that even an actor as magnificent and proficient as Joaquin Phoenix was deeply moved by Mark Wahlberg’s brilliance. We can tell that the former harbors an immense sense of respect for the latter.

Here’s to hoping that the future can bring us other endeavors that feature this uber-talented duo.