Penn's character was certainly unique. Hollywood likes it when actors turn themselves into a freak for a role. Personally I would have given it to Benicio. He was great in that movie.
I feel really bad for him because he clearly unconditionally loves her and she treats him like shit. This is a thing that plays out everywhere all over the world every day, but not in front of the cameras for everyone to see. You'd think the shame would motivate him to change at some point.
Penn's character was certainly unique. Hollywood likes it when actors turn themselves into a freak for a role. Personally I would have given it to Benicio. He was great in that movie.