Casey Affleck Admits the Joaquin Phoenix 'I'm Still Here' Documentary was Fake

Director Casey Affleck confirmed that Joaquin Phoenix's meltdown in I'm Still Here was in fact not a documentary but an elaborate performance. For two years Phoenix portrayed himself, both on and off screen, as a bearded, drugged-out aspiring rapper. This included his incoherent appearance on the Letterman Show in 2009. It was all an act, although Letterman was not in on it. The drugs, the hookers, even the home-movie sequence in the beginning of the film were all staged or played by actors.

I'm Still Here was released in theaters on September 10, 2010. It received some rather scathing reviews, including Roger Ebert, who said the film was "a sad and painful documentary that serves little useful purpose other than to pound another nail in the coffin." I wonder how many critics would change their review knowing that they got punked?

Here is the trailer for I'm Still Here. It's interesting watching it with the new light that it's all an elaborate act. Plus it's nice knowing that Joaquin Phoenix really is still here.

Edward Norton Will Not Play the Hulk in 'The Avengers'

Marvel Studios has fired Edward Norton from his role as The Hulk/Bruce Banner in the upcoming film The Avengers.

Unfortunately, they did it in a rather classless and unprofessional way. Kevin Feige, President of Production for Marvel Studios said "our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members." Yikes. I know Norton's Incredible Hulk wasn't that great of a movie, but it certainly wasn't so bad as to warrant a callous press release. And while Norton may have a reputation for having some strong opinions, he's a great actor with a lot of solid working relationships.

So now that Edward Norton is out, who will join director Joss Whedon in his superhero film? Already signed on are Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and Chris Evans as Captain America. Some rumors indicate Joaquin Phoenix may be the new face of the Hulk. And of course, his appearance as the Hulk in The Avengers could lead to The Incredible Hulk 2.

No matter which direction they go, we wish the best of luck to both Edward Norton and Whedon and his Avengers. The film is still scheduled to open May 4, 2012.