From a cult to Hollywood royalty: Joaquin Phoenix, the star who has overcome it all

"I think my parents thought they'd found a community that shared their ideals. Cults rarely advertise themselves as such. It’s usually someone saying, 'We're like-minded people.'"

"After that letter, the Bottoms changed their surname to Phoenix, in honor of the mythological bird, and returned to the United States. Phoenix has never judged them, and does not believe they were negligent."

"They were idealists, and believed that they were with a group who shared their beliefs, and their values. I think they probably were looking for safety, and family."

Read at english.elpais.com