I’m Still Here (2010) Review: Joaquin Phoenix’s Boldest, Strangest Role Yet

A Wild, Blurred Line Between Reality and Performance

In 2010, actor Joaquin Phoenix shocked the world with I'm Still Here, a raw, confusing, and at times uncomfortable documentary-style film that chronicles his supposed retirement from acting to pursue a career in hip-hop. Directed by Casey Affleck, the film plays like a psychological experiment—a piece of performance art disguised as a documentary that leaves the viewer constantly questioning what is real and what is a hoax.

At its core, I'm Still Here is less about fame and more about our obsession with celebrity authenticity. Phoenix’s radical transformation—bearded, disheveled, seemingly on the verge of breakdown—pushed boundaries in a way that most Hollywood projects would never dare.

What’s the Film About?

The film follows Joaquin Phoenix during a turbulent period in his life—at least, that’s how it’s presented. He publicly announces his retirement from acting to become a rapper, abandons Hollywood, and appears to spiral into drug use, depression, and professional disaster. The camera follows him through a series of absurd, embarrassing, and deeply uncomfortable situations—from failed performances to confrontations with journalists, all while his entourage watches him unravel.

But here’s the twist: It was all an act. Or was it?

Phoenix later revealed that I'm Still Here was a piece of performance art. For two years, he lived as the version of himself portrayed in the film, fooling the media, fans, and even colleagues. That revelation reframes the entire movie, turning what seems like a celebrity meltdown into one of the most daring experiments in modern cinema.

What Worked:

1. Joaquin Phoenix’s Commitment

Phoenix fully commits to the role of "himself" in self-destruction mode. His performance is nothing short of remarkable—awkward, abrasive, and brave. Whether he’s insulting celebrities or performing incoherent rap songs, he never winks at the camera. That unflinching dedication makes the illusion convincing and powerful.

2. Exploration of Fame and Identity

The film is a brutal commentary on celebrity culture. It holds a mirror to the media's tendency to mock, judge, and dehumanize public figures. As Phoenix stumbles through humiliating encounters, the film questions our own complicity as consumers of celebrity downfall stories.

3. Experimental Storytelling

I'm Still Here is a rare cinematic experiment. It challenges genre conventions by blending documentary realism with performance fiction. It’s chaotic and jarring, but deliberately so—mimicking the very chaos Phoenix pretends to live through. It’s meta, postmodern, and entirely unique.

What Didn’t Work:

1. Crude and Unpleasant Scenes

Some moments feel gratuitous or distasteful. There are scenes involving drug use, nudity, and toilet humor that feel less like satire and more like shock value for its own sake. These moments may alienate viewers and distract from the film’s deeper message.

2. Narrative Incoherence

The lack of structure might frustrate traditional moviegoers. The film doesn't follow a clear arc, and many scenes feel random or repetitive. If you’re not in on the joke—or unaware that it’s a hoax—it can feel aimless and exhausting.

3. Ethical Dilemma

The film’s biggest controversy is how many people—including actors, fans, and journalists—were misled during the project. While this adds realism to the act, it also raises ethical questions about consent and manipulation in art.

Critical Reception

Upon release, I'm Still Here was divisive. Some critics hailed it as a brilliant piece of performance art, while others dismissed it as self-indulgent or even exploitative.

Roger Ebert called it “a sad and painful documentary, one that serves as a cautionary tale.”

The New York Times praised Phoenix’s daring but questioned whether the payoff was worth the discomfort.

Rotten Tomatoes currently rates it at 54%, reflecting its polarizing nature.

After the hoax was revealed, many critics re-evaluated the film, recognizing its boldness and creativity. With time, it has become a cult classic—often studied for its blurred line between reality and artifice.

Final Thoughts:

I'm Still Here is not for everyone. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and sometimes deliberately off-putting. But beneath that chaos lies a sharp critique of fame, media, and the illusion of celebrity. Joaquin Phoenix doesn’t just act in this film—he transforms his entire public identity into a performance that fools millions, making it one of the most daring moves by any actor in recent history.

If you go into this film expecting a conventional documentary, you’ll likely be disappointed—or even disturbed. But if you approach it as a psychological art piece, a critique of celebrity culture, and a bold cinematic experiment, I'm Still Here becomes something unforgettable.