Joaquin Phoenix was once known for being a phenomenal actor, starring in films such as Gladiator and Walk the Line. However, according to YouTube and the international press, Joaquin Phoenix is now, more or less, a weirdo.
A very hairy, fat and almost inaudible Phoenix sits on David Letterman’s couch, wearing sunglasses and habitually scratching his beard.
Letterman tries desperately to get Phoenix to talk about his choice to quit acting and pursue rapping. Phoenix just looks around, awkward and muttering.
However, even after Phoenix dropped the “F” bomb and stuck his gum under Letterman’s desk, the audience, and the world, thought he was just playing a strange joke.
On Sept. 10, Phoenix’s documentary I’m Still Here will hit theatres. Unfortunately, the question of whether or not his schtick has all been a hoax will be nowhere near answered.
Directed by his brother-in-law, actor Casey Affleck (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford), the film is a long look at a man whose life and career are far gone.
In the beginning, Phoenix just looks like a washed up actor who wants to find solace in the hip-hop industry, cursing too much and looking like a cross between Big Foot and Nick Nolte.
Then, he sits at a computer, choosing which hooker he wants to “order.” This is shortly followed by Phoenix snorting cocaine off of the hooker’s breast.
Midway through the film, I wondered if I was watching a movie about an actor becoming an aspiring rapper, or an actor becoming a worthless, drugged-out nobody.
Was it well directed? Affleck showed us that he does indeed have talent in what seems like every aspect of the film industry.
However, in reality, the film was a compilation of drugs, sex and some mumbled rhymes in between.
Did I enjoy it? I was immersed and fascinated in the same way I would be watching a train crash and burn slowly.
However, the biggest question still remains: is it all a joke? Was this just one last attempt for a drugged-out actor to get the public talking about him? Or was this Phoenix’s true and honest journey toward becoming the next Lil’ Wayne?
Well folks, I don’t have the answer. And after seeing I’m Still Here, I frankly do not care.
I’m Still Here will open in limited release on Sept. 17 and will be playing at the Landmark E Street Cinema.
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