Joaquin Phoenix, known for his multiple Oscar-winning performances, recently spoke about his regrets surrounding the promotion of the 2010 mockumentary I’m Still Here. During an interview on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Phoenix revealed how his attempt to stay in character for the film’s marketing went awry, particularly during an appearance on the David Letterman show where he shocked viewers by announcing he was retiring from acting to become a rapper and a rabbi. This stunt, designed to promote the film’s critique of fame, ended up backfiring and left Phoenix deeply uncomfortable.
He admitted that despite sensing things were failing during the promotion, he felt compelled to continue the act without breaking character, which caused significant distress. Reflecting on the experience, Phoenix said:
“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.” —Joaquin Phoenix
Phoenix further explained that the project extended far longer than he expected, dragging on over an entire year instead of two months, which worsened the impact on his public image. He also revealed that David Letterman was aware of the hoax but wanted authentic audience reactions, contributing to some measure of success in the campaign’s shock value.
Critical and Fan Backlash to the Unconventional Film
Despite the unusual promotional efforts, I’m Still Here failed to win favor with critics or viewers. When the truth behind Phoenix’s behavior surfaced, curiosity did not translate into acclaim, and the film earned a low 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience reception was even more negative, with a score of only 38%, making it one of the least well-received films featuring Phoenix. For comparison, last year’s Joker: Folie à Deux scored even lower, with a 31% rating on the same platform.
The mockumentary captures Phoenix’s fabricated shift from acting to a hip-hop career, showing him writing and performing rap songs. A notable element that contributed to the film’s lasting mixed reputation is Phoenix’s interaction with P. Diddy, who assists in producing his fictional album. The movie features appearances from prominent actors including Jack Nicholson, Bruce Willis, Danny Glover, Billy Crystal, Robin Wright, and Danny DeVito, adding star power to the project despite its reception.
I’m Still Here is available to stream on Prime Video for those interested in exploring this controversial phase of Phoenix’s career.
Behind the Shock: Challenges of Staying in Character
Phoenix’s commitment to the role required him to blur the lines between reality and performance, which created a stressful ordeal. The pressure to maintain the ruse publicly, especially on live television, exposed him to intense scrutiny and confusion from audiences. The experience was both a professional gamble and a personal burden, highlighting the hazards artists face when adopting extreme methods to critique fame and celebrity culture.
The interview with Stephen Colbert exposed the vulnerability Phoenix felt throughout the process, providing candid insight into the cost of such an unorthodox promotional strategy. It also underscored the fine line between performance art and public perception, where the actor’s reputation temporarily suffered despite his later acclaimed successes.
Legacy and Impact on Phoenix’s Career
The controversy around I’m Still Here remains a significant moment in Phoenix’s career, illustrating the tension between artistic experimentation and audience expectations. While the film’s reception was initially hostile, it revealed Phoenix’s dedication to pushing boundaries in storytelling. The mockumentary’s struggle serves as a cautionary example of how immersive promotion can backfire, but it also provides a unique chapter in his artistic journey.
Looking ahead, Phoenix’s reflections suggest he has distanced himself from such immersive promotional tactics. The experience likely influenced the way he approaches his craft and public appearances moving forward, reaffirming the importance of balancing innovation with personal well-being and audience connection.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Joaquin Phoenix a good Joker?
A. Pete Hammond from Deadline praised Phoenix’s performance as “extraordinary,” calling it “dazzling, risky, and original.” David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter mentioned that Phoenix’s portrayal was the film’s “must-see factor,” noting he portrayed the character with a mix of pitiful and fearsome insanity.
Q. Is Joaquin Phoenix vegan?
A. Joaquin Phoenix has followed a vegan lifestyle nearly all his life. He frequently uses his celebrity status to support animal rights causes.
Q. Is Joaquin Phoenix a good Joker?
A. To sum up, Phoenix delivers an outstanding acting role as the Joker, yet his portrayal misses elements of playfulness, unpredictability, and grand spectacle.
Q. Is Joaquin Phoenix a vegan?
A. Apart from acting, Phoenix is dedicated to animal rights. As a vegan, he often backs charity efforts and has made documentaries about meat consumption’s environmental effects.
