I'm Still Here the mock/umentary but is it any good?

I'm glad @polyg suggested going to see this because it's certainly given me plenty to think about and I probably wouldn't have gone of my own choosing.

So the big question is, is it or isn't it a mockumentary about Joaquin Phoenix giving up acting to try and become a rapper? I googled Phoenix and the latest story is that writer/director/producer Casey Affleck has said that it is a hoax after saying that is isn't - all part of the marketing ploy perhaps?

Before I explain my reasons for thinking it's likely a mockumentary I should probably explain a bit more about the film. It basically follows the over-weight, unkempt hair and bushy bearded Phoenix as he embarks on a hip hop career. Phoenix appears to be going through some sort of personal crisis or breakdown treating those around him abominably. It is apparently warts and all showing him taking drugs and messing around with call girls.

So here goes, my evidence for why I think it's a fake:

• Casey Affleck is Joaquin's brother in law and I think you'd have to be a pretty evil bastard to show off a film of a member of your family behaving so badly and making such a fool of themselves.
• And would he really let a member of Phoenix's staff do that* to him while he slept
• I genuinely don't believe an actor would behave with quite such a degree of self importance and treat people like that.
• If he really was changing his career I would expect the documentary to examine in far more detail why he'd chosen hip hop in particular but this is all mysteriously skirted over.
• The feeling that it is all just a big joke is always there lurking in the background and I was waiting for the big reveal.

Evidence why it might be real

• A celeb could really be that fucked up and full of their own self importance
• Nobody stopped Britney Spears shaving her head etc etc

And what I actually thought of it as a film documentary or otherwise:

It's funny at times but it's an uncomfortable viewing experience because the laughs are always at Joaquin's expense and he seems to be having some sort of breakdown. It's gets full marks for silencing the audience until they'd left the screen and for then being fodder for a lengthy conversation.

At the back of my mind throughout though it felt all a little bit calculated like in Henry IV part 1 where Prince Hal says he is behaving badly so that when he starts behaving like a Prince should everyone will be doubly impressed. And for that it gets a minus because I can't help thinking it a piece of celebrity indulgence: Affleck gets show off his film making skills and Phoenix to show off his acting skills even if it does take some nerve to do such a thorough assassination of your own character.

Aggregated reviews:

Rotten Tomatoes UK gave it an average rating of 57%

Metacritic gave it an average rating of 49%

* if you don't mind a plot spoiler then read on....Phoenix has a row with a long term member of staff who then gets his revenge by creeping into Phoenix's bedroom and crapping on his face while he is asleep. Nice.

Comments

[Bobbie]

I remember watching the Letterman interview and wondering the 'real or not' question myself. I found the interview hilarious nevertheless.

Probably will wait til it's on DVD as I can't imagine any of my friends wanting to see it.