NEW DOCUMENTARY PONDERS: IS JOAQUIN PHOENIX STILL HERE? OR HAS HE LEFT THE BUILDING?

While Joaquin Phoenix has insisted he is serious about retiring from acting to pursue a rap career, many have suspected this is one elaborate Andy Kaufman-esc meta-hoax. That said, Joaquin has stayed true to his word, has stayed in character and has not returned to acting. Now a new documentary or possible mockumentary “I’m Still Here” filmed by his brother-in-law Casey Affleck documents the strange year in Joaquin’s life, following the Oscar-nominee as he announces his retirement from a successful film career in the fall of 2008 and sets off to reinvent himself as a hip hop musician. So, is this really a portrait of an artist at a crossroads, exploring notions of creative reinvention and the ramifications of a life spent in the public eye? Or is the joke still on us?  Is Joaquin still here? or has he checked out? Watch the trailer below and be the judge for yourself.

I know this is sooo 2009, but its worth watching again. Really Hilarious.