Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara may be one of Hollywood’s most private couples, but now we have a little bit of insight into their relationship, and, specifically, Phoenix’s pet name for his rumored fiancée. Are you ready? You might have to clutch your invisible pearls. It’s “filthy dragon.”
Phoenix was honored with a People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Tribute Gala on Monday. And during his speech, according to Us Weekly, Phoenix gave a sweet (?) shout-out to Mara: “One last thing, somewhere here, I don’t know where, is a filthy dragon, and I want to rip its wings off and fasten a blanket and sleep with it forever,” Phoenix said. “I love you. Thank you.”
At first, “filthy dragon” might seem a little random, until you realize it’s probably just a reference to her breakout role as Lisbeth Salander in 2011’s The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Okay, fine. But must he want to “rip its wings off?!” If this is what he’s saying out in the world for everybody to hear, what exactly is Joaquin Phoenix pillow talk like? Then again, I do find it all somewhat cute. Must be the goth in me.
Speaking of goth, in June the couple, who co-starred in this year’s Mary Magdalene, marched for animal rights in all black while carrying dead birds.
But back to filthy dragon: Does this mean Mara’s nickname for him follows the same character-inspired protocol? Please don’t tell me she calls him her “psycho little clown man.”