The World

Turns out Joaquin Phoenix is still here

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.

Arts, Culture & Media

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.