Joaquin Phoenix Is Joined By A First-Rate Cast In Anderson's 'Inherent Vice' [Trailer + Pictures]

Joaquin Phoenix once again demonstrates his extraordinary versatility as a screen actor with his latest role as PI Doc Sportello in Paul Thomas Anderson's forthcoming mystery drama 'Inherent Vice' - but who else makes this unusual flick one to watch out for?

Phoenix always surprises with his choice of movie roles, going from the deadly serious sect drama 'The Master' (also directed by Anderson) to the coy, technological romance (we like the term Comp-Rom) of 'Her', and now he's takes a new turn once again in this comedic 70s thriller. He's a private investigator who is forced to take on his ex-girlfriend Shasta's case when her new boyfriend Mickey Wolfmann becomes embroiled in a kidnapping plot by his scheming wife Sloane and her secret lover.

Watch the trailer for 'Inherent Vice' here:

More: See clips from Joaquin Phoenix's movie 'Her'Alongside Doc Sportello on his case is his lawyer Sauncho Smilax, played by none other than Benicio Del Toro - who is perhaps most recently known for his appearance in stellar comic blockbuster 'Guardians of the Galaxy'.

Next page: Owen Wilson and Josh Brolin also appear in the movie

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'