After a few minutes of home movies open the film “I’m Still Here”, Joaquin Phoenix’s now infamous beard and disheveled appearance take the screen, it’s clear that this was not meant to be a comfortable day at the movies.
In 2008, actor Joaquin Phoenix caused quite a stir when he announced he was retiring from acting to pursue a new career in hip-hop.
Many were certain he’d lost his mind, while others saw it as nothing but an elaborate hoax. How could someone so successful just decide to give it all up and start over again?
Directed by Casey Affleck, Phoenix’s brother-in-law, the film follows Phoenix and his inner circle as he attempts to break into the music industry which, in itself, would prove interesting as he has already proven himself an able musician for both the film “Walk the Line” and its soundtrack.
While some question his commitment to hip-hop, his commitment to the lifestyle is nothing short of spectacular. There are hardly any scenes that he doesn’t have a bottle or a cigarette in either hand, and in many scenes he’s seen snorting cocaine and ordering prostitutes.
In one uncomfortable scene, Phoenix is approached by Ben Stiller, who hopes to snag him for a role in the film “Greenberg,” to which Phoenix responds with anger and declares his commitment to his new career.
It’s these moments that add to the authenticity of the film and have you thinking that he really does want to start a new career.
Phoenix eventually tries to enlist mogul Diddy to produce his debut album. From the start, it’s obvious that Diddy is unsure what to make of Phoenix and his aspirations, and questions if Phoenix is sincere or just wasting his time.
The climax of the film is a recounting of Phoenix’s now-infamous interview on David Letterman, his last interview before retiring from acting to pursue hip hop.
The interview is one of the most uncomfortable in recent years and consisted of Letterman basically talking to himself and ridiculing Phoenix to the delight of the audience.
This does lead to the most poignant point of the film though. After the interview, Phoenix walks off into the hills. While his friends try to console him, he can be heard repeatedly saying “What have I done? I’ve ruined myself. Whether this works or not, I’ve ruined my life.”
Recently, Affleck has come out to say that it was all a hoax and that it’s been one big performance from Phoenix the entire time.
Hoax or no hoax, Phoenix has been at this for two years and one has to question if he’ll ever get work as an actor again as a result of his erratic behavior.
Though still giving credit where credit is due, this film ranks as one of the top hoaxes in recent memory and evokes the spirit of the late Andy Kaufman. Phoenix has certainly delivered a great performance these past two years and reminds us that a great talent is “Still Here.”
(Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures)
(Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures)
(Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures)
(Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures)
(Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures)
(Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures)
