Late in 2008, renowned actor Joaquin Phoenix announced his intention to move away from acting in order to take up hip-hop. OK, everyone thought, if that’s what you feel is the right thing to do.
Then it became clear something strange was afoot, with Casey Affleck committed to following Phoenix around for the next year filming his every move. And then came Joaquin’s infamous appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman.
The film of Joaquin’s year of metamorphosis is now complete and titled I’m Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix. What’s more, it’s being hawked around at the Cannes Film Festival.
The problem is that even those lucky enough to have already seen it still aren’t sure how to take it. Is it a mockumentary? With Joaquin’s evolution from a steady, down-to-Earth type of guy to a bearded loon all make-believe? Or is it a real-life look at the world of celebrity and Hollywood?
Affleck told ABC News:
“[It's an] unbelievable, one-of-a-kind movie [which looks at] the public spectacle and a very private internal implosion.”
“I wanted to explore what I thought would be an interesting period in Joaquin’s life. He wanted to give up acting and try doing music, and that, right there, says something’s going to happen. But I had no idea what would unfold…”
I’m not so sure. I think this is one of those movies that will have to be seen to be believed. Which, I guess, is the point. I think this could be a cult hit, whether it’s real or not.
