Joaquin Phoenix has captivated audiences with numerous Oscar-winning performances throughout his career, but one particular role almost derailed everything he had worked for. In a recent interview on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the acclaimed actor reflected on his controversial decision to star in I’m Still Here, a unique mockumentary directed by Casey Affleck (Light of My Life) back in 2010. While promoting this unconventional comedy, Phoenix made the bold choice to remain in character during a live appearance on the David Letterman show, a decision that ultimately backfired spectacularly.
During the now-infamous interview, Phoenix shocked the audience by announcing his “retirement from acting” to embark on a career in hip-hop as a rabbi, leaving many confused and concerned. What the audience did not realize at the time was that this was all an elaborate hoax designed to promote I’m Still Here, which serves as a critique of the celebrity culture and the nature of fame. Reflecting on that moment, Phoenix expressed to Colbert that he recognized the act was not resonating with the audience, yet felt compelled to continue in order to maintain his character. He candidly remarked:
“It was so uncomfortable. I regret it, I’ll never do it again. I’m so sorry. It was strange because in some ways, it was a success, and it was also just one of the worst nights of my life.”
Phoenix elaborated that his involvement in I’m Still Here turned out to be a much more time-consuming project than he had initially anticipated. He originally estimated that the filming would span only two months, but the process extended over the course of an entire year. This prolonged production timeline did not positively impact Phoenix’s public image. Interestingly, the actor disclosed that Letterman was aware of the prank, aiming to capture authentic reactions from the audience, which is why Phoenix considers it a “success” in some aspects.
The Critical Reception of ‘I’m Still Here’: A Disastrous Outcome
Despite the extensive effort put into the project, the results were far from favorable. Once critics and moviegoers discovered that Phoenix’s peculiar behavior was a marketing stunt to promote I’m Still Here, their curiosity was piqued. However, the film ended up with a disappointing 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans weren’t any more forgiving, with audience ratings plunging to a mere 38%. This film is now listed among the lowest-rated titles featuring Phoenix, although it still outperforms last year’s Joker: Folie à Deux, which garnered an even lower score of 31% on Rotten Tomatoes.
I’m Still Here “follows” Phoenix’s supposed transition from actor to rapper as if it were an authentic life change. Throughout the documentary, Phoenix goes to great lengths, even writing and performing songs for live audiences. One factor that contributed to the film’s poor reception over time is its portrayal of Phoenix seeking assistance from P. Diddy in producing his album. The mockumentary also features an array of notable cameos, including Jack Nicholson (The Shining), Bruce Willis (Assassin), Danny Glover (The Naughty Nine), Billy Crystal (Before), Robin Wright (Here), and Danny DeVito (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), all of whom add a layer of intrigue to the film.
For those interested in experiencing this controversial project, I’m Still Here is available for streaming on Prime Video.
Source: IndieWire, The Late Show YouTube channel
