Joaquin Phoenix recently made a long-awaited return to the David Letterman show after a year and a half. The last time he was here, he left viewers puzzled with his strange behavior and appearance. He looked like a “side of beef in a suit” and left the audience wondering if he was playing a character or if something was genuinely wrong.
At the time, there were rumors that the whole thing was a setup for a movie. Casey Affleck, who was also present on the show, added fuel to the fire. But no one knew for sure what was going on. The speculation continued, and eventually, it was revealed that Phoenix was retiring from acting to pursue a career in music.
In his recent appearance, Phoenix opened up about the reason behind his previous behavior and explained that it was all part of a documentary-style film he was making with Affleck. The film, titled “I’m still here,” explores the relationship between celebrities, the media, and the audience. Phoenix wanted to create something authentic that challenged the notion of reality in reality shows.
During their conversation, Letterman, always quick-witted, didn’t hold back. He admitted that he played along and teased Phoenix, giving him the Beatdown he was looking for. However, Letterman denied any knowledge of the film’s intentions, stating that he was not involved in the project.
The film, which received widespread attention upon its release, features almost five minutes of the infamous interview between Phoenix and Letterman. Phoenix assured Letterman that he did not come off as a jerk in the film, but rather, the interview added to the overall narrative.
Despite the risk of alienating his fans, Phoenix believes that making the film was worth it. He wanted to approach filmmaking in a different way and challenge the traditional boundaries of storytelling. While some people may have been fooled or upset by his behavior, Phoenix feels that the experience was gratifying and allowed him to create something unique.
However, there were consequences to his actions. Dr. Drew, who interviewed Phoenix based on the previous appearance on Letterman, felt misled. Phoenix acknowledged feeling bad about that particular incident but clarified that they intended to create a film that blurred the line between reality and fiction.
As for Letterman, he couldn’t help but bring up the financial aspect of being in the film. He jokingly demanded a million dollars from Phoenix as compensation for his involvement. The two ended their conversation on a lighthearted note, with Phoenix promising to work things out privately.
“I’m still here” has garnered significant attention since its release, and Phoenix’s appearance on the David Letterman show has become a pivotal moment in the film. Despite the controversy and confusion it initially caused, the documentary-style film has sparked conversations about fame, public perception, and the blurred line between reality and fiction.
If you’re curious to see Phoenix’s journey unfold, “I’m still here” is currently playing in theaters. Don’t miss the chance to witness this unique exploration of celebrity culture and the inner workings of Joaquin Phoenix‘s mind.
