Magnolia Pictures has just acquired I’m Still Here: The Lost Year Of Joaquin Phoenix, the mockumentary about Phoenix’s transition from actor to hip-hop artist.  The project was directed by Casey Affleck.

Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles made the deal over several face-to-face meetings with Affleck as well as attending buyer screenings held on both coasts by sales agent WME Global.  Phoenix is familiar with Magnolia as they did his last film, Two Lovers, before he joined this project.

Details on the mockumentary are being kept under a tight lid at the moment, but it’s said to be an interesting experience for those who’ve seen it.  According to Deadline, “Some distribs walked away turned off, or confused.

They weren’t sure if they were watching an Andy Kaufman-like hoax, or if Affleck was actually chronicling a great actor’s meltdown. Among other hijinks, Phoenix is seen snorting coke off the breast of a prostitute.”

There’s no word as to whether Bowles believed the story, but obviously he believes it will sell well.  The president acknowledged that the film will most likely premiere at a festival (speculation is Venice or Toronto) and that the platform release will be on September 10 (the wide release will be a week later).

I’d imagine since it’s being called a “mockumentary” that the film is fictional.  If it is then congratulations to Mr. Phoenix on maintaining such a character outside of the film.  Your scruffy beard, unkempt hair, and “BYE! GOOD” fingers certainly threw us off.  If it’s not fictional and being mis-marketed then someone needs to get that man to a clinic.  Soon.  Maybe a clinic/hairdresser if they make such places.