This “documentary” as we know now is a hoax and is really a mockumentary about Joaquin Phoenix quitting acting and wanting to become a rapper. I’m Still Here is about living life in the public eye, making a change in your life and losing your sanity. All of this is captured by director and Phoenix’s brother-in-law Casey Affleck.
I really wish I could have seen this film before I knew it was all for show. I probably would have been mesmerized by how awful Phoenix was to his assistant and friends. Witnessing his battle with drugs and calling hookers to come over to his hotel room would have been shocking. I would have a completely different perspective on this film. However, I saw it after it was revealed that I’m Still Here is all fictional and it ruined it for me. I am still amazed by how dedicated Joaquin Phoenix was to this character. But most of this film plays as a comedy. All of his crazy antics and terrible attitude are not real. We thought we were getting an exclusive look inside the world Phoenix lives in, but he and Affleck tricked us. We have no idea who the real Joaquin Phoenix is.
Whether I’m Still Here was fake or not, it loses its entertainment value the longer the film goes on. The last five minutes really drag on for too long. This mockumentary is creative and if their secret was never told, this film would be more eye-opening and have more of an impact. But once you find out what you are watching is not reality, it all goes out the window. You cannot take any of it seriously.
There is some good news that comes out of I’m Still Here: Joaquin Phoenix is not leaving acting. He never did. He gives a strong, dedicated performance that demonstrates how far he is willing to go for a role. This film was supposed to be more than what it is. This is no game-changer when it comes to celebrities and media. We know people have egos and that same ego can lead to meltdowns.
There are a few scenes that would make you question whether this “documentary” was real or not, but for the most part, you could not believe it because you were told not to. I’m Still Here shows off the dedication and passion that Joaquin Phoenix has inside him. No matter how mean he acts or how much language he uses, he is a good guy and a talented actor. His brother-in-law is not too bad himself, but he needs to direct a film like his brother Ben.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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