It would have been an interesting take, if he got the role but I'm still confident he would have nailed the role too and still be considered for Oscars. However, I agree the right choice was undertaken in the end. Just like how James Franco has played some unique roles that only he was born to play.

On the positive note, Spring Breakers will ensure that he is remembered due to it becoming a future classic for generations, so all ends well. If only, he could pick up an Oscar for that, it sure would mean something i.e. Oscar voters can think outside the box.

When it comes to weirdness Joaquin and James tend to lead for this generation. Love to sit them in a room with Christopher Walken and Helena Bonham Carter and just hear them talk, just think it would be very interesting. Anyway, the Oscars are Bulls**t as agreed by many, and he did his best with the lame script. Not to worry, Billy Crystal wasn't great either, if people were more honest.

(I have never read something on Indiewire that didn't have a typo.)