Who can forget Joaquin Phoenix’s February 2009 appearance on David Letterman’s show…Scraggly beard, sunglasses and a look on his face that seems to be saying periodically, “Where am I?” Joaquin Phoenix’s interview had a lot of people asking, “Is this a joke?”

Well, people are asking themselves that question again about Joaquin Phoenix. Casey Affleck, brother of Ben Affleck debuted a documentary titled I’m Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix to independent film distribution companies about a week ago. You might remember that Joaquin told Letterman he quit acting in order to pursue a rapping career. This documentary follows his quest to get signed by a record label.

Hollywood Insiders Nicole Sperling says, “The film shows Phoenix snorting cocaine, having sex with prostitutes and simply falling apart in his quest to land a record deal. It shows him meeting with Sean Combs in a desperate plea to get him to produce his record album. Phoenix also meets with Ben Stiller who’s trying to persuade the Gladiator star to join his indie film Greenberg, despite Phoenix’s protest that he’s no longer acting.”

Does anyone else find it ironic that he claims to have quit acting while starring in a film production? There is definitely merit in speculation that this is all a hoax. The Letterman interview—watching a talented actor crash and burn or the perfect publicity set up?

The film is definitely getting a lot of publicity because no one can figure out its agenda!

What do you think? Mockumentary or documentary? If this film does get picked up by a distribution company (which is likely thanks to all the buzz) would you go see it?

I (Intern) have to say I would. The whole thing puts me off but draws me in at the same time! I suppose it’s like how people always slow down and stare at car accidents on the side of the road…

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