I'm Still Here (2010 film)
| I'm Still Here | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Casey Affleck |
| Written by | Casey Affleck Joaquin Phoenix |
| Produced by | Casey Affleck Joaquin Phoenix Amanda White |
| Starring | Joaquin Phoenix |
| Cinematography | Casey Affleck Magdalena Gorka |
| Edited by | Casey Affleck Dody Dorn |
Production company | They Are Going to Kill Us Productions |
| Distributed by | Magnolia Pictures |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 106 minutes |
| Country | Template:Film US |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $96,658 |
I'm Still Here is a 2010 mockumentary[1] film directed by Casey Affleck, and written by Affleck and Joaquin Phoenix. The film purports to follow the life of Phoenix, from the announcement of his retirement from acting, through his transition into a career as a hip hop artist.[2] Filming officially began on January 16, 2009 at a Las Vegas nightclub.[3] Throughout the filming period, Phoenix remained in character for public appearances, giving many the impression that he was genuinely pursuing a new career.
The film premiered at the 67th Venice International Film Festival on September 6, 2010.[4] It had a limited release in the United States on September 10, 2010 before being expanded to a wide release a week later on September 17.[5] Although widely suspected to be a "mockumentary", the fact that the events of the film had been deliberately staged was not disclosed until after the film had been released.[1]
Development
Reception
Upon its release I'm Still Here had a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[6] Critics were divided on whether to interpret the film as documentary or performance art.[7][8][9] Roger Ebert wrote the following:
A mind is a terrible thing to waste. The tragedy of Joaquin Phoenix's self-destruction has been made into "I'm Still Here," a sad and painful documentary that serves little useful purpose other than to pound another nail into the coffin. Here is a gifted actor who apparently by his own decision has brought desolation upon his head. He was serious when he said he would never act again. He was serious when he announced a career as a hip hop artist. He wasn't goofing when he was on the Letterman show. He was flying into pieces.
[...]
All of this is true. At least we must assume it is. If this film turns out to still be part of an elaborate hoax, I'm going to be seriously pissed. Actually, there are subtle signs it might be.
Ultimately, according to Affleck, the "documentary" wasn't real. Many had already speculated the entire stunt was a hoax.[10]
References
- ^ a b "Affleck Says Phoenix Doucmentary Wasn't Real", New York Times, Sept. 17, 2010
- ^ "I'm Still Here". Magnolia Pictures. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
- ^ Kit, Borys (January 16, 2009). "Casey Affleck helming Joaquin Phoenix doc". The Hollywood Reporter. e5 Global Media. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
- ^ "La Biennale di Venezia - I'm Still Here". Venice Film Festival. Archived from the original on August 27, 2010. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
- ^ Fleming, Mike (July 14, 2010). "Magnolia Will Platform Joaquin Phoenix Mockumentary By Casey Affleck Sept. 10". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2010. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
- ^ "I'm Still Here Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ Robinson, Tasha. "I'm Still Here | Film | Review". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ Turan, Kenneth (2010-09-10). "Joaquin Phoenix, 'Still Here' (But Not All There?)". NPR. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ Campbell, Christopher (2010-09-08). "Review: I'm Still Here - The Moviefone Blog". Cinematical.com. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ "Director Casey Affleck Confirms Joaquin Phoenix 'Documentary' Isn't Real" from Yahoo! News