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Yesterday, Casey Affleck, Phoenix’s brother-in-law and director of “I’m Still Here,” a so-called documentary about Phoenix’s downfall, announced that Phoenix’s behavior over the last two years has been part of an elaborate performance for the film.
In February 2009, audiences watched with equal parts glee and horror as Academy Award nominated actor Joaquin Phoenix appeared to have a meltdown during an appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” The actor, unrecognizable behind a unruly beard, dark glasses, and a belly, had everyone wondering whether another star was burning out or if it was some sort of hoax. Now the truth has come out. Y Newsday and Takeaway film critic Rafer Guzman has seen “I’m Still Here,” and explains if this was a prank, performance art, or something else entirely.