Phoenix 's mockumentary film '' I 'm Still Here '' ( 2010 ) premiered at the 67th Venice International Film Festival on September 6 , 2010 . The film was directed by Phoenix 's then brother-in-law Casey Affleck and was also written by Affleck and Phoenix himself . The film purports to follow the life of Phoenix , from the announcement of his retirement from acting , through his transition into a career as a hip hop artist . Filming officially began on January 16 , 2009 at a Las Vegas nightclub . Throughout the filming period , Phoenix remained in character for public appearances , giving many the impression that he was genuinely pursuing a new career . Although widely suspected to be a " mockumentary , " the fact that the events of the film had been deliberately staged was not disclosed until after the film had been released . The film received mixed reviews and failed at the box office
67th Venice International Film Festival
67th Venice International Film Festival
Joaquin Phoenix