Phoenix dials up the faux-egotism to deliver a message on the perils of fame and celebrity...

It's hard to tell whether the title of Casey Affleck's now infamous spoof refers to the mental awareness of its protagonist or his place as one of the leading actors of his generation. In any case, Joaquin Phoenix provides a stunning performance in I'm Still Here, playing himself as a tired and bellicose actor who gives up the gilded life of an A-list star to pursue his ambition to enter the world of rap.

Finding any takers for his career change hard to come by, Phoenix begins to slide into a haze of drugs and alcohol, growing a sizeable paunch and equally noticeable beard. However, despite the constant speculation in the press of a hoax, the Gladiator star uses his cachet to approach successful hip-hop producer Sean Combs whilst being pressured into publicity for his 'last ever film', the mediocre Two Lovers.

Not only is I'm Still Here an immensely funny film, but it offers a sharply satirical insight behind the facade of modern celebrity culture. Where Borat offered up a broad dynamic of the way the United States treats foreigners, Affleck and Phoenix are able to target, with mixed success, the freedom and pitfalls of celebrity life.

Some of the scenes are played purely for laughs, while the concept itself is so ridiculous that, after the shock value has faded, it's clear where the story is headed. Phoenix's insistence on a tentpole producer for his first record is brainless, as is his belief that his rap 'career' could ever possibly hinge on a few low-key performances. What holds the film together is a mesmerising central performance which is hilarious, disturbing and immensely self-deprecating.

In terms of the DVD extras, there are some nice musings about the trappings of fame and thoughts from an actor’s subconscious, whilst adding depth to the film narrative from scenes that are too meandering to be included in the final product without large-scale editing. ‘We are the least effective form of communication’ says Phoenix in one armchair moment. And you think he has a point because, as he starts to elucidate on moments from his life, it is impossible to work out where the dividing line is between himself and his film creation. Don’t wait for his façade to drop, because it never does, even in the deleted scenes. It’s only when you listen to the audio commentary that the true scale of the complicity in the production is made clear.

Regardless of the fact that Affleck admitted this was a hoax following the film's completion, there is plenty to admire about a documentary which takes a risk in how it approaches the thin line between life and art.

I'm Still Here could have been a masterpiece delving deep into the underbelly of celebrity culture. However, it stands on its own as a brilliant and original slice of contemporary humour which, when put into perspective, is no mean feat. It will be interesting to see which role Phoenix plans to follow this up with once he sheds the pounds, but there seems little doubt that his mental faculties are fully intact, and for that we can be fully grateful.

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