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July 16th, 2010
01:25 PM ET
Joaquin Phoenix unveils 'Lost Year'After being missing in action from movie theaters since announcing his retirement in 2008, Joaquin Phoenix is about to come back in a very big way. "I'm Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix," directed by the star's brother-in-law Casey Affleck, 34, will arrive in theaters September 10. Hopefully we'll get to find out exactly what went down during the time Phoenix quit acting to pursue a career as a rap star. Because that awkward Letterman appearance, in which the 35-year-old gave the talk-show host the silent treatment? Apparently, that was just the tip of the craziness iceberg.
The documentary reportedly shows Phoenix snorting cocaine off the breast of a prostitute, and, according to the L.A. Times, includes "more male frontal nudity than you'd find in some gay porn films." Eamonn Bowles, president of the films distributor, Magnolia Pictures, told Deadline.com "I'm Still Here" is a "pretty amazing piece of work, jaw dropping but dimensional." As to whether any of the debauchery is real, Bowles will only say, "Frankly, some of the behavior is very extreme. But it is in the context of the insanity of being in Joaquin's life for that period of time. It is a unique piece of work that is going to surprise people in different ways."
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You understand therefore significantly in terms of this matter, made me personally believe it from numerous numerous angles. Its like men and women don't seem to be interested except it's something to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs great. Always maintain it up!
I watched this today. It is hilarious and so over the top. The scene where his assistant takes a crap on him was the best! That's probally why he finally shaved. He is a great actor and it was a big risk to do something like this. You can really see how that settles in on him while they were making the movie too. I felt bad for him after watching his reaction to the Letterman show.
Anyway...I saw the film. All these comments about him needing help, or crying out. I don't see it like that. I see it as an expression of an actor having expectations put on him, once you've you've reached status in Hollywood. And, then you turn around and say, NO...I don't want to be you're puppet, and this is what happens! Joaqin and Casey just showed all of us how whether it be a photo in a tabloid, or bad press, or coming out with some "crazy career move" can ruin someone in their line of work....to entertain us! Isn't that what it's all about to "entertain" US? Hail to the Actors Everywhere...without them, what would we gossip about! Hopefully, someone out there GETS this film! It DOES have a point!
I was really sad and disappointed when Joaqin announced he was quitting actting...I'm a huge fan of All his films. He made his OWN way to the top in Hollywood, NOT because of his brother's passing. And I think it's heartless of anyone to even bring that into this!! I too, kept up with media frenzy of Joaqin's so called "melt-down"...and couldn't understand how such a brilliant actor would wake up one day and say "F***-It" I'm Done!!! "And let's film it! Come on really...how many actors want to just get away from all the "Bull****" for a while! Have a normal life..unconventional, point made!!!!
Ew. Pass.
Since he has lost his mind he is my favorite person
...cuz I meant to add ....going all britney and lohan and gibson on all us all here...
highly talented xx
"The press is always looking for a little twist to a story and what i've learned is that it all turns out very superficial. So you need to become what they want, you need to give what they put out. " – River Phoenix.
The media has been labeling Joaquin Phoenix 'mental' since he returned to acting after River died. All the reports from his movie sets were that he was 'losng it' and was 'still grieving' etc. He's turning it on its ass.
Another quote by River Phoenix:
"I plant decoys all the time in the press to completely divert them from my private life because, of course, they want to come into my private life and say, 'Can I have an interview at your house?' So then you have to make up the set and the atmosphere and do what you do best, which is (points to Gus Van Sant) direct, or in my case act, and you just give them something that's entertaining...It's a nice way of reflecting the idiocy of it all."
I think this little plan has been something 'in production' in his life for quite a while. Personally, I can't wait to see what he's done.
He's a brilliant actor. So was his dead brother. His brother-in-law is an enabling, insensitive, exploiting, greedy jerk.
Joaqin isn't crazy or mentally unbalanced.
This whole thing he's done is just for fun.
Haven't any of you ever done anything silly and fun just for the hell of it? Just because you could and felt like doing it?
Well, there you have it.
Who wouldn't want to spend 2 yrs just doing whatever you wanted to?
Why wouldn't he want to take a break from Hollywood and the demands of others telling him how to do everything, when he can make his own movie and make it anyway he damn well pleases?
Sounds like fun to me, not mental illness. Sounds really intelligent as well, not like something a drugged up moron would do.
Sounds like a Vincent Gallo film.
If I were famous, and had every luxury...
Maybe I would take some time to live on the edge. And then try to recover...why not? You only live once.
I HAVE HATE IN MY HEART FOR JOKEQUIN FEENIX.
dick...
Does nobody realise that this has all been a gag, similar to the works of Andy Kaufman? It's genius, really.
I'm sick of hearing excuses that he saw his brother die so feel sorry for him, it must have messed with his head. I saw my mother die, did I go booze it up and act like a mental midget for 2 years? NO, this moron is doing it for the money, lots of us were abused as kids and saw somebody die.
Stop excusing him and grow a pair people. I bet you people who are giving him a pass voted for Obama, only someone that stupid could give this guy a pass for all the stupidity he has done.
It's kind of ridiculous to think that because you responded a certain way to a situation that means everyone else is suppose to respond exactly the same way. That's not possible since we are all separate individuals with unique personalities. I may handle a situation perfectly calm and the next person can completely lose it. Not everyone can be you, try to have a bit more compassion for us lesser mortals, as difficult as that may be.
Your comment certainly sounds like it was written by a mental midget.
One of those morons who are so obsessed with the President that they can't speak (or type) a single sentence without mentioning his name and blaming him for anything and everything no matter what the subject.
Of course he's doing it for the money. He's an actor. How many people do you know who work for free?
River passed away many yrs ago...how do you figure this movie has anything to do with Joaquin being present when he died?
And how exactly does anyone know that you DIDN'T "booze it up and act like a mental midget for 2 years"?
People die, it's just a fact of life.
I'm sure you think that's Obama's fault too.
The world is full of people with genuine psychological problems. If the guy is in that category, if he needs help, he should get it. Making a movie about it? That's just plain ridiculous.
Joaquin has more talent than most working actors out there today. He doesn't need all these gimmicks – we'll watch him.
Why are there so many people who don't even know who Joaquin is posting nasty evil comments? WHY ARE YOU HERE? It appears you just like to be smart-mouthed and silly on blogs. Go get a job and stop acting out like a 5 year old bully.
he's too messed up for me, Walk the Line as a boring ass movie!!
Sorry to break it to you people, but it looks like the joke has been on US the entire time!! WAKE UP and smell the scent of a circus side show freak-a-zoid that Joaquin became just for the sheer pleasure of amusement. The movie is probably hilarious if you ask me. I think Joaquin is one of the most talented and gorgeous dudes in Hollywood. And he probably doesn't care what anyone thinks. He did it for fun of it and most (if not all) of you fell for it. Now that's sad..... :(:(
I would tend to agree, though I really think he's being seriously influenced by drugs. Think about it, there are many of what I will call 'pure' artist types who create for the sake of creating, but are psychologically ill-prepared to cope with the fame part of it. Think Hendrix, Pollack, Heath Ledger, Hemingway, and so on. A few survive it, many don't. He seems to be on a collision course, which is sad, as he's one heck of an actor.
Dirty hippies.
who seriously gives a $h!t
He's an actor. The whole bit on Letterman was just an act and I couldn't believe all of the "shock" surrounding it. A farce to pre-empt whatever else he was planning to explore as art, hip-hop, this movie, whatever. He's a wildly talented young man with interesting aspirations as to how to make us look at the box, both inside and out, differently. Regardless of the bizarro personae he is trying to put out there at this time, I like what I see of him. Period.
Considering he watched his brother River Phoenix OD and die right in front of him at a young age, you are going to expect the guy to be a tad bit touched in the head. He is a incredible actor, i really hope he changes his mind and comes back to movies, I hope he learns from his brother's mistake and leaves those drugs alone.
What would be truly surprising would be if anyone actually goes to see this self-indulgent drivel..
It was nice vacation for the general public that a narcissistic actor went away. You're an actor not some deep thinking or meaningful person. Its not multidimensional if you're doing it for millions
I would see it (and please stop throwing my name around).
This will be the most amazing ruse ever. He is a funny dude. I think this and the entire letterman thing was contrived, and I love it.
Dude is nuts. Good actor, but totally nuts.
Yeah, we all knew two years ago that this entire thing was a stunt for fauxumentary that he was shooting with Ben Affleck's less talented brother. Apparently, they saw "Borat" and thought that it'd be hilarious to do their own version, using Joaquin as the "actor". The problem is that none of us really care. Joaquin is not Andy Kaufmann.
Actually, if you ask just about anyone, they will tell you that Casey Affleck is infinitely more talented as an actor, than his brother is.
Insanity isn't art.
It's hilarious to read all these comments from people saying he's had a hard life and he's gone off the tracks, or alternately, he's a great actor and he deserves our undying support during his comeback – come on, people – it was a set up! The whole thing, all the way back to and including the Letterman appearance, was a farce to set you up to be ready for this film about the "lost" year that was never really lost because it was planned out well in advance. Hellooo...
Exactly. Joaquin counts on people being morons, and unfortunately, it looks like he was right.
I realize I'm off subject, but a lot is two words not one (alot)......
Thank you, Jill, for correcting the spelling. My sixth-grade students have a spelling "death list" which includes "a lot." Any death list error deducts ten points from the grade on the work. These kids don't make mistakes even when they're not using spelling/grammar check tools. Those posting on the internet should avail themselves of those tools before clicking "post."
Students should not be using "a lot" anyways. Using it in your writing is sloppy. Try teaching them some adjectives such as many, much, plenty....
Joaquin's main problem has been his iconic brother River Phoenix. I am sure just living with the fact that he saw him die has to mess with your head.
I used to and still have great respect for Joaquin Phoenix because he has something Clooney can only dream of having- he can act and act well. when he announced he was going to become a rapper I laughed so hard...I just hope that he does not become another vanilla ice....eww!!! You go Phoenix.
this guy is a genious...bring it
So sayeth the man who can't spell.
Laughing....
I was just thinking the other day...there are a whole lot of people who sure do work hard at blowing their rides. Joaquin is one. Hell, most people with 'difficult childhoods' and 'traumatic events' in their lives get past it and go on. They don't have the luxury of 'losing it' and then 'making a movie about why they lost it.' Sheesh.
If you can't say something nice then say nothing at all
That kind of self-censorship would defeat the whole purpose of posting comments in the first place.
I don't think you people realize that this whole thing was a put-on so this movie could be made.
Fred, I realized it right from the very beginning of his supposed reitrement. EVERYONE over at dlisted realized it was a put-on, too. I can't believe how many suckers on here have fallen for it. He was never crazy or losing it. Just trying to make a buck. He never intended to retire. I think he is a bit smug and arrogant to think that so many people care about what he does in his down time.
Joaquin is brilliant! He deserves to come back and I can't wait to see this film!
I have seen him recently and he looks more gorgeous than ever!
I agree with Abbi, Joaquin is an excellent actor. To all those who say he is a loser, go rent or buy (because it is well worth buying) "Walk The Line". Joaquin did a great job playing the part of Johnny Cash. I was amazed and have been a fan since. I to hope that Joaquin gets the help he needs. I would not want great Hollywood actor lose their life so young. Please, keep your negative comments to yourself.
Well said bartons...!!! I really loved "Walk The Line", when i met him in Malta i thought he was a great man besides a great actor...i thought he was pretty humble and down to earth...i hope he will come trough it...!!!!
I won't be surprised...I won't be seeing this waste of time.
There is allot of negativity out here and i dont think that people should post it out here, honestly!..i actually do think he is a really good actor and its not just me who thinks so...he had a very bad upbringing and watching his brother die infront of his eyes outside that club back in the day i dont think that helped him either...he is just derailed right now..i loved him in Walk The Line....and i actually met him when he shot Gladiator on my island(another awsome movie!!!!)..i hope he can come out of this, one day he will c the light again i just hope it wont be too late...come on JOAQUIN!!! Find the strength to triumph again u got support from accross the globe too
What a loser
Those Phoenix boys had an unbelievably weird and psychologically abusive upbringing, and the survivor needs understanding, not ridicule. One of them is already dead, and I hope to God somebody (nicer than most of the posters here) will intervene and help a talented artist find his way back to balance and sanity. We lost a brilliant and charismatic artist when we lost his brother River, and I just hope to heaven it isn't too late for Joaquin. You heartless people throwing the stones need to shape up yourselves.
I agree. We're dealing with actors that put pressure on themselves and forget who they really are. Exellent actor...just derailed right now.
No matter what kind of upbringing he had, watching his brother die on the pavement outside of the Viper Room, should have at the very least taught him a lesson about the dangers of doing drugs!! I have always liked Joaquin as an actor, it's just painfully obvious now that he's not a very smart person!!
I won't be seeing this. I saw him on Letterman and concluded he was a loser at that time. I won't waste my time or money on him now.
You just did waste your time by writing this.
Who is this guy? And who Effin cares?
This is arrogance at its finest, thinking we still give an S. If it was someone we actually cared about, I might go see it. But the kid from Space Camp? Not so much.
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looks alot like john belushi in this pic...wonder if he follwed same path for a bit..
Wow, I loved him in The Hangover.
Wow – Seriously? He's not in the Hangover. There's more than one guy in the country sporting the grizzly adams look.
HAHAHAHA
LMAO!! That's what I was thinking when I saw his pic.
can you say(Jim Morrison)
Yim Moddybloo... nope, I can't. I can't say Jon Moliflom.
I'll plan on seeing this also. I don't know about running out to the theater the day it comes out but I will see this. I just think he has problems regardless even if this is a hoax. He is talented enough to pull it off. If you saw that PSA he did a few months back, he was all clean shaven and normal sooo?
Great and talented actor, should have got an award for Walk the line and Gladiator. Hollywoods a popularity contest. I don't blame him for leaving if he did. I hope he's in Europe where life is more authentic. Joaquin you should come to Canada!!!!
Another self-absorbed celebrity...so what else is new?
I'm actually interested in seeing this. I bet it'll be more entertaining and intriguing than most of the movies Hollywood is churning out right now, anyway.
I agree!
Exactly!
like we didn't see this coming....
Yep. Another one who 'retires' just to realize all their money is almost gone and decide to say, "I was just kidding about retirement." boo hoo hoo!
If this guy wanted a vacation, he should have just said so.
Who really f-in cares...
totally agree with you kloud. He said he did not want to do movies anymore. Do people really want to watch him act like a pervert?
he has a vary sad life.
He and Jim Carrey should get together
There is allot of negativity out here and i dont think that people should post it out here, honestly!..i actually do think he is a really good actor and its not just me who thinks so...he had a very bad upbringing and watching his brother die infront of his eyes outside that club back in the day i dont think that helped him either...he is just derailed right now..i loved him in Walk The Line....and i actually met him when he shot Gladiator on my island(another awsome movie!!!!)..i hope he can come out of this, one day he will c the light again i just hope it wont be too late...come on JOAQUIN!!! Find the strength to triumph again 🙂 u got support from accross the globe too 🙂
Yawn, annoying. F ck off Joaquin, in a multi dimensional way.
So what Abbi....folks should only post lovey-dovey messages and be damned with criticism? You one of those people who think all students should get A's because it hurts their feelings?
Someone needs to give him the Borat/Bruno DVD two pack. Sorry Hairlip but its already been done.
I'd totally watch Joaquin's full frontal nudity. Unfortunately, his beautiful face is hidden by nappy hair.
nothing more beautiful than watching a star burn out.
Give the guy a break! making fun of someone that may be having real mental issues is not a laughing matter! He may need help but he may be unable to ask for it, as most people in that situation don't. He is a GREAT actor. Hope he is able to snap out of it..:)