Rising Phoenix?

Wearing a crisp tuxedo, Tom Ford sunglasses and sporting an overgrown beard, the oxymorons could go and on when describing Joaquin Phoenix's appearance on David Letterman's late night American talk show in February of last year. I was in New York at the time and watched what was to be the most uncomfortable interview I have ever seen. The talented actor was there to promote his new film, Two Lovers, but if anything was promoted it was the actor's awkward silences and state of mind when responding to Letterman's questions with one word answers and announcing he was giving up acting for a career as a rapper with the help of Sean "Diddy" Combs. Ending the interview with applause few and far between, it was unclear whether this was a major faux pas by Phoenix's agents or a very well rehearsed publicity stunt. But in May of this year, I'm Still Here: The Lost Years of Joaquin Phoenix was screened to potential buyers in LA. Directed by Casey Affleck, the film documents the actor's highs and lows and received very mixed - and disturbing - reviews by preview critics who are still unclear whether this is serious or a mockumentary. Below is the trailer for the film which is due to be released on September 10th of next month - we can all then decide for ourselves whether this will be the very public rise or fall of Mr. Phoenix...