Film: I'm Still Here

This is a review I've done for work which can be found here

Joaquin Phoenix, Oscar-nominated actor famed for his roles in Gladiator and Walk the Line, has, as they say, gone off the rails. Some time in 2008 he quit acting for good and followed his hearts desire by starting a career in hip-hop. No doubt you’ve seen some of the results: the beard, the Letterman show, the footage of him falling off the stage whilst performing. Rumours that it was all a hoax were quick to start flying, and for some, the knowledge that Casey Affleck was filming the whole process only added fuel to that fire. I’m Still Here is the result of that footage – a documentary that follows Phoenix from his decision, through his last performance, home recording sessions, gigs, travels and travails.

The backbone of any good documentary is a fascinating subject that can stand independent of any prior audience knowledge. I’m Still Here certainly has that. Behind the beard and the glasses it is almost impossible to find traces of Johnny Cash or Emperor Commodus, well groomed as they were. Instead we follow a man on a mission to destroy/reclaim his life. The film opens with Phoenix explaining his decision: he doesn’t want to be a puppet for other people’s creativity, he wants total creative control himself. Rejecting fame and the publicity machine that goes with a Hollywood life he wants to live and work as a genuine hip-hop artist. So far, so reasonable. The only problems are that a) he isn’t very good and b) he expects to slot into the top of the hip-hop world based on his acting achievements and fame. Cue hideously uncomfortable scenes with the ultra-professional producer formerly known as P Diddy, some atrocious performances and a diving tackle off the stage at one heckling fan.

There is real tragedy here as talent and “friends” (all seemingly on the payroll) are thrown away on this spiral of self-delusion, mistrust and pride. But (and this is a big but), this film is funny, very funny, and in a variety of ways. Impeccable comic timing by the man himself, shocking unbelievable acts (people really snorting coke of a hooker’s tit) and surreal ‘cameos’ from the Hollywood A-list all make this a very entertaining film. Whether or not this is real becomes something of a moot point for enjoying the film. If it is, then Casey Affleck is to be commended for an insightful and powerful documentary. If it’s not the Joaquin Phoenix has perhaps pulled off the most audacious and committed role of his generation. Only time will tell – but neither possibility should spoil your enjoyment of the film.