We say "mockumentary" in the absence of any actual evidence, because it still seems like the only possible explanation for Joaquin Phoenix's shenanigans over the past couple of years. All should become clear soon enough however, as the mystery project, stemming from Phoenix's surprise announcement that he was abandoning acting for a career in hip-hop, is about to finally see the light of day.
For those who haven't been following the story so far, Phoenix declared his career transmogrification in the autumn of 2008, not long after wrapping his last-seen screen role in the rather excellent Two Lovers. A couple of months later it transpired that his brother-in-law Casey Affleck was following him around with a camera, documenting the erratic behaviour that peaked with a borderline-performance-art appearance on Letterman (you can find it on YouTube, or embedded in Deadline's story, alongside footage of Phoenix going insane in the brain in Las Vegas).
Whatever line he's been walking, it'd better be good after all this mystery and build-up. A private lunchtime screening for potentially interested parties – Harvey Weinstein among them – took place a few days ago, with all attending sworn to utmost secrecy. Cannes is apparently out as a debut platform, but the industry insiders at Deadline reckon a distribution deal is only days away.
The truth is out there, kids. Are you fascinated, nonplussed, unimpressed or indifferent? Your thoughts, as always, below.