Venice as confused as everyone about actor's bizarre filmed journey
(NEWSER) - First critics were stumped, now film festival fans are just as perplexed after seeing Joaquin Phoenix's latest movie and are still wondering: is he punking us or is he in the throes of a serious mental collapse? "There is no hoax," director Casey Affleck told reporters at the Venice Film Festival, where his movie about Phoenix, I'm Still Here, has captivated audiences. Affleck concedes, however: "I understand how a lot of this movie could be confusing in terms of, 'Oh well, it seems like something's real or not.'" The zen-like film follows Phoenix's bizarre, perhaps genuine, transformation from top actor to shambolic hip-hop wannabe after turning his back on Hollywood two years ago. More»