It’s the looming question as Casey Affleck premieres his directorial debut “I’m Still Here,” about brother-in-law Joaquin Phoenix: Is this an elaborate hoax or the documented journey into an artist’s dark and dismal madness?
Affleck, who is married to Joaquin’s sister, Summer Phoenix, repeatedly rebuffed suggestions that the film was not an authentic portrayal of Joaquin’s “celebrity meltdown” during a press conference Monday at the Venice Film Festival screening of the movie. “I can tell you, there’s no hoax,” an exasperated Affleck insisted.
Phoenix didn’t show up for the screening of the movie that documents his downward spiral from Oscar-nominated actor to failed hip-hop musician; complete with drug abuse, online sex, emotional meltdowns, graphic language and sex with a prostitute.
“He’s trying to embrace the film… he’s not hiding from the movie” Affleck told reporters, letting them know that Phoenix is in Venice but probably won’t attend any of the screenings. “His presence here is a gesture. I hope he’ll support it