Welcome Back, Joaquin

A week ago, actor-director Casey Affleck told the world that his new film I’m Still Here is not a real documentary. The mental breakdown that its subject, Joaquin Phoenix, seemed to suffer is a hoax. The revelation itself was a greater surprise than the fact that Phoenix was having a laugh at our expense, but now that the movie is out in theaters and critics have had a shot at judging it, I guess there was no reason to continue the joke. After all, Phoenix probably needs to go back to his regular career after this experiment.

Last night he appeared on Late Show with David Letterman… as himself, not the bearded weirdo who was there the last time. In a blog post shortly after that show last year, I wrote: “He’s such an ass here that I still can’t help wonder if this isn’t some strange experiment in comedy. I’m not the only one; his fans are thoroughly puzzled. Of course, should this be a genuine move on Phoenix’s part, there is no limit to just how disastrous it will be for him.” Thankfully, it did turn out to be an experiment… but last night’s interview also had its interesting moments, especially since Letterman seems a little bit miffed at the way Affleck and Phoenix used his show as a segment for I’m Still Here. Of course, he’s probably joking about being compensated financially… but Phoenix looks like he’s not entirely sure of whether or not Letterman is annoyed for real.

I’m happy to say welcome back, Joaquin. I can’t wait to see what this hugely talented actor does next.

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