A mind is a terrible thing to waste. The tragedy of Joaquin Phoenix’s self-destruction has been made into “I’m Still Here,” a sad and painful documentary that serves little useful purpose other than to pound another nail into the coffin.
Here is a gifted actor who apparently by his own decision has brought desolation upon his head. He was serious when he said he would never act again. He was serious when he announced a career as a hip-hop artist. He wasn’t goofing when he was on the Letterman show. He was flying into pieces.
For reasons that are unclear and sidestepped, this process was documented on video by the actor Casey Affleck, who is married to Joaquin’s sister Summer. It’s not well-done technically — the image and sound are bad — but it has the advantage of access to private and tormented moments.
After Phoenix imploded during a famous appearance on Letterman, we see him leaving a limousine in Central Park, crawling up an embankment into some shrubbery, and screaming that he has destroyed his life, his music sucks, he will never be able to act again.
All of this is true. At least, we must assume it is. If this film turns out to still be part of an elaborate hoax, I’m going to be seriously angry. Actually, there are subtle signs it might be. The scene in Central Park: Is it a little too perfect dramatically? The scenes of cocaine sniffing, the nude parties including Joaquin’s assistant Antony Langdon and two hookers: Were they really possible with a director, cinematographer and sound man in the room? Would Casey Affleck release this devastating film with the acquiescence of his wife? Apparently so. It exists, it was released, I’ve seen it, and Joaquin Phoenix, as the title assures us, is still here.
One doubts he will be walking the red carpet if the film has a premiere. It documents a train wreck. A luxury train — one carrying Phoenix, his several personal assistants, his agent, his publicist and apparently not one single friend who isn’t on salary. A train that flies off the tracks and tumbles into the abyss.
If this is a true self, it’s shabby
Phoenix comes across as a narcissist interested only in himself. He is bored with acting. He was only a puppet. He can no longer stand where he’s told, wear what he’s given, say what is written. It’s not him. He has lost contact with his inner self.
He thinks fame and fortune are due him. He earned them in his acting career, yes, but he will no longer act. He expects Sean Combs to want to produce his CD, although Combs has worked hard to earn the respect that Phoenix manifestly doesn’t deserve.
He stands in the middle of an airport, puzzled that no limousine awaits. He flies to President Obama’s inauguration, not invited, and doesn’t make it outside of his hotel room. He is mystified that he may no longer be able to afford his Los Angeles home.
He is enabled by his saintly staff, including Langdon, who has been with him for years and appears to be paid as a 24-hour companion, since it’s doubtful anyone would want to be with this man for free. Antony, we learn, has recently become a recovering alcoholic.
Which leads us to Phoenix’s substance- abuse problems.
He doesn’t drink much in the film. He smokes a great deal of what looks like pot. He says he scored cocaine in New York, and hardly seems to be using it for the first time. He has no on-screen moment when he appears clean or sober. Whether drugs alone could account for his condition, or whether mental illness is also involved, is not for me to say.
But I will say this: Joaquin Phoenix is a good actor. I was astonished by his performance as Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line” (2005). He was so good in other films, including the superb “Reservation Road” (2007), “Two Lovers” (2008) and “Gladiator” (2000), although I was unenthusiastic about the film.
Whether he wants to be an actor is his business. Many great and worthy people have been, and in this film we see or hear about Paul Newman, Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson and for that matter Danny DeVito (whom Phoenix dismisses).
We do not desperately need another actor, but Joaquin is imprisoned within his illness, and he desperately needs to get well. If he wants a career as a singer — well, why not country music? In “Walk the Line” he proved he has a talent for it.
In “I’m Still Here,” all he proves is that he is hurtling toward the same pointless oblivion that killed his brother River. It is a waste of the privilege of life.
“i’m still here”
Not Rated, but with drug and alocohol use and language. 1 hour, 48 minutes. A documentary featuring Joaquin Phoenix, Antony Langdon, Sean Combs, David Letterman and many others. Directed by Casey Affleck. Opens today at the Mayan.
