I’m Still Here (2010)

We all saw the Letterman appearance of Joaquin Phoenix looking like the Gieco Caveman as played by Zach Galifianakis channeling John Belushi at his drugged-out worst. It made headlines and ruled TV airwaves. Phoenix wanted a rap career. Debate raged: Is it real? Duh, it was a joke. Now here’s the documentary, sorry, mockumentary. “I’m Still Here” reports to be about a sensationalistic media and a gullible public addicted to stories of self-indulgent celebrities. But as directed by brother-in-law and co-conspirator Casey Affleck –- a fine actor himself -- “Here” is a self-indulgent collection of crappy YouTube home movies mixed with shots of dogs fucking, random trees, and heaps of male junk. There’s a scene where an alleged friend takes a dump on Phonenix as the latter sleeps. It’s an embarrassing college-boy stab at art film. There are some great scenes -- Letterman, a chat with Mos Def and poker-faced reactions by Sean Combs. Phoenix certainly is method –- he fooled Ebert. But Casey and Joaquin really ought to just get a room. Shut the door. And, please, no cameras. D+