River v Joachim Phoenix - Comparable?

[Summmer.]

One of my top 3 favourite films: My Own Private Idaho - and almost everyone holRAB Stand By Me in their hearts.

River Phoenix has long been a favourite for me.. but must admit (after recent conversation with a mate..) that technically, isn't Joachim the better actor?
Walk The Line - technical brilliance. (Parenthood too, actually)
Was River simply charismatic/undeniably gorgeous?
I'm sure sibling rivalry wouldn't enter into the Phoenix arena of thought, but, you must admit - the poignant 'my brother' speech in Walk the Line and the parallells to real life do make people compare...
Who is the better actor? Why? Help settle an argument please.. or at least inform with your opinions...!

 

[munkismile]

hard to judge as River died so young.

Both are good actors who tend to go "off the radar" in picking movies/roles.

Have to say River, simply because he was so acclaimed so much younger, but really a "pick'em"

 

[Mickey1]

I think both River and Joaquin were/are both very good actors, but Joaquin certainly doesn't get the critical acclaim he deserves in my opinion.

 

[Questioned Mind]

I'd agree with that - he makes good choices in the roles that he plays - but they're often overlooked for the sake of other "bigger" stars.

 

[Something Like A War]

joaquin was a good choice for walk the line, put him on the radar off some people and reaffirmed him as a, in my opinion, amazig diverse actor!!
xx

 

[Brewer Girl]

I don't reckon there comparable for the fact that River died so young and Joaquin was never really noticed til he was well after the age that River died at. Therefore playing very different roles to which River would've played. they are both extremely good actors though I have never really seen any of Rivers films except Stand By Me.

 

[Music-aholic ♪]

he was oscar nominated at like 16 yrs old for Running on Empty.

My Own Private Idaho another good one.