Along the way, Doc meets government informer Coy Harlingen, which sees Owen Wilson in the role. While we're talking about Phoenix's versatility, it's worth mentioning how unusual it is to see Wilson in a slightly less humorous role, after his career-wide success in comedies such as 'Wedding Crashers' and 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'.
Owen Wilson [L] is an agent provocateur in 'Inherent Vice' opposite Joaquin Phoenix [R]
Meanwhile, Josh Brolin plays a detective in the role of Bigfoot Bjornsen (markedly not the first time he has taken on such a character) and Reese Witherspoon even makes an appearance as a character named Penny. 'Inherent Vice' is chock full of respected movie stars as well as fresh talent; American musician Joanna Newsom narrates the trailer in her first venture into film to name an example.
More: Brolin was a detective in 'Sin City: A Dame To Kill For' - read the review
Josh Brolin plays Bigfoot Bjornsen in 'Inherent Vice'
By the looks of the exceptionally funny trailer and outstanding cast, 'Inherent Vice' is most certainly one to look forward to - and we're betting it will do Thomas Pynchon, the author of the 2009 original novel, very proud indeed.
Joaquin Phoenix takes on the role of Doc Sportello in 'Inherent Vice'
'Inherent Vice' hits US movie theaters on January 9th 2015.
More: We've been looking forward to 'Inherent Vice' since early this year
Benicio Del Toro is Sauncho Smilax in 'Inherent Vice'
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