Joaquin Phoenix to star as pimp in 'Low Life'

Joaquin Phoenix has committed to starring in James Gray's Low Life.

The actor will play a charming pimp who forces his migrant Polish girlfriend into prostitution, Deadline reports.

Marion Cotillard is to take on the role of the prostitute, finding herself dependent on Phoenix's character after her sister falls ill on their journey to the US.

Writer and director Gray is keen to have Bourne Legacy lead Jeremy Renner play the pimp's magician brother, who falls in love with the Polish woman and attempts to rescue her.

Low Life's shooting schedule has been postponed until Cotillard is free from shooting The Dark Knight Rises.

Phoenix is currently working on the untitled P.T. Anderson drama, which sees him playing a cult member who begins having doubts about their leader.

Gray and Phoenix previously worked together on the romantic drama Two Lovers, with the helmer afterwards admitting he may have influenced Phoenix's decision to become a rapper.

Watch the trailer for Two Lovers below: