I hadn't heard of Joanna Newsom, who plays Sortilege, the narrator and Doc's confidante, and maybe girlfriend? She has really only acted in the TV show 'Portlandia' in one episode. But a phenomenal musician, songwriter, singer, pianist, harpist and no doubt guitarist. I am curious how Anderson chose her for this major part? She acquits herself well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKjkxl6un3U
A little patience and searching had my answer and then some. A couple of nice interviews with Joanna and Joaquin Phoenix. Joanna Newsom is one of Paul Thomas Anderson's friends, I imagine because he is a fan of hers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GacCbNR8-iI Newsom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG4K7n6gH3k Phoenix
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She had such a mystical presence about her in this film I too had to look into her afterwards and discovered her music as a result. Absolutely fantastic lyricist, singer, and muscisian as you mentioned. She's brilliant. Very underrated. She very quickly became one of my favorite artists.
shareI wouldn't say she's underrated; she was quite the thing in 2006.
She used to be Bill Callahan's girl. Now there's someone who's underrated.
I thought she looked a bit worn out in this film. Tired.
Ghosts and lovers, they will haunt you for a whileshare
PTA has also directed a couple of her music videos since
shareI would imagine through Fiona Apple or by being around that LA music scene. Only a guess though.
"Never eat yellow snow"