KCMETROPOLIS.org
Kansas City's Online Journal of the Performing Arts

Does anyone care at this point if Joaquin Phoenix is still here? Of course I’m not implying people want him vaporized. No one wants that. But does anyone care if he acts again? The answer to this will be interesting to watch unfold after film-goers witness Phoenix’s extended Andy Kaufman-like stunt in the fake documentary I’m Still Here.

Directed by his brother-in-law, Casey Affleck, I’m Still Here journeys back to 1981 when a young Phoenix is reluctant to jump into a lagoon. His innocence is then seemingly lost to the lights of Hollywood and the success that comes with being a two-time Oscar nominee.

It’s 2008 and Phoenix is ranting about how he’s tired of taking direction and playing the role of Joaquin Phoenix. Tired of not being able to fully express the artist within him, Phoenix announces his retirement from acting and begins a dark, bizarre descent into drugs, alcohol, prostitutes and an embarrassing foray into hip-hop.

The further we go down the rabbit hole, the more disheveled, overweight, and offensive Phoenix becomes. One moment you’re incensed with how he treats his assistants. The next you feel pity for him and anger towards those around him who do nothing as he snorts cocaine and makes a general fool of himself.

As I’m Still Here nears its end, it’s almost plausible to believe an actor who starred in Gladiator, Signs, The Village, Walk the Line, and Two Lovers could go off the deep end. Almost. Even with the recent admission by Affleck that Phoenix’s attempt to become a rap star was a hoax, it’s clear by the time the credits roll that I’m Still Here is fiction.

Credit must be given to Phoenix as he takes performance art to a whole new level. At great expense to his reputation, which has been ridiculed with great ferocity, Phoenix threw himself into a role so deeply that he was willing to endure defecation to the face by a “disgruntled” assistant. (And yes, it is as gross as it sounds.) It was a risk no actor has been willing to take since Kaufman himself and he’s been gone for 26 years now.

On the other hand, I’m Still Here can be interpreted as one of the most blatant works of egotistical self-indulgence ever created. Sure, it’s a relief that Phoenix hasn’t gone insane, but is doing a line of cocaine, art? Or even faking it for that matter? I’ll leave it to you, the faithful reader and filmgoer to decide.

On a letter grade scale from “A” being excellent to “F” for failing, I’m Still Here receives a B.

I’m Still Here is rated R and has a running time of 108 minutes.

Now showing through September 23 @
Tivoli Cinemas
Westport Manor Square, 4050 Pennsylvania, KCMO
Visit www.tivolikc.com or call 913-383-7756 for more information.

By Michael D. Smith

Indie Film Editor

Michael D. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in history at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri followed by a Master of Arts in history at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Inspired by such critics as Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, Michael started reviewing films in 1992 for College of the Ozarks's student-run newspaper. After returning to the Kansas City area in 1994, he continued film reviewing by writing for the Cass County Democrat Missourian in Harrisonville.

In 2000 Michael joined Sun Publications in Overland Park, Kansas where he served as its film critic and Arts and Entertainment Editor. During his tenure there, he was also the film critic for the "Fine Arts Radio Hour" and "Celebrity Scoop" radio shows on KXTR. After leaving the Sun in late 2002, he became the A&E writer for the Olathe News in Olathe, Kansas. He also worked as a freelance writer for The Squire in Leawood, Showcase Publishing in Lake Ozark, Missouri and the Kansas City Star.

Michael is currently a member of the Kansas City Film Critics Circle, a professional film critic organization established in 1966 by the late Dr. James Loutzenhiser.

More Featured Articles