I’m Still Here (Magnolia Pictures)

I’m Still Here

Studio: Magnolia Pictures
Directed by Casey Affleck; Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller, Edward James Olmos, Sean Combs

Sep 10, 2010 By Iain Stasukevich Web Exclusive

A lot of hay is being made over whether or not Joaquin Phoenix really did have a mental breakdown, retire from acting, and attempt a new career as a rapper. On the surface, I’m Still Here (directed by Casey Affleck) attempts to chronicle Phoenix’s transition from clean-cut Hollywood pretty boy to a bearded hipster hip-hop artist.

The “documentary” begins with Phoenix delivering a monologue about not wanting “to play Joaquin anymore” and by following a path as a musician, he claims, “I’m doing what represents me.” As the film progresses the actor sinks deeper and deeper into himself, growing more scraggly and moody and neurotic with every scene. By the time we’re with him in his New York loft, watching him snort coke off a hooker’s tits, the realization sinks in that if he’s really not playing a role, then this really is the real Joaquin. His raw openness blurs the line between fantasy and reality, and suddenly it doesn’t matter anymore whether or not it’s been staged because he’s actually doing these things.

Familiar faces show up to offer their support or play their part in the drama—Ben Stiller tries to pull him back into acting, Edward James Olmos dispenses some sage advice, and Sean Combs brings the tough love—but their involvement only serves to further confuse and frustrate the existentially handicapped actor, who only seems to be half-listening anyway.

As the film swings wildly between Jackass-style pranks, Bukowski-style binges and Kafkaesque introspection, the point of I’m Still Here doesn’t seem to have anything to do with Joaquin’s success or failure as an actor or a rapper. Perhaps he was just looking for the real Joaquin, and like the audience, is left to wonder whether it was just another put-on from the beginning. (www.magpictures.com)

Author rating: 7/10

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