Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that I'm Still Here is presented as a documentary about actor Joaquin Phoenix, who began behaving strangely in the spring of 2009, when he claimed to be retiring from acting to embark upon a career in rap music. Directed by Phoenix's friend/brother-in-law Casey Affleck, the film was revealed to be an elaborate stunt/hoax after it was released, but that doesn't change the fact that it showcases some truly awful behavior, including an onslaught of foul language (particularly "f--k"), drugs, booze, and sex with prostitutes (there's both male and female nudity, as well as some scenes that almost show actual sex acts taking place). Although it's definitely not for kids, the movie does provide an interesting commentary on pampered, spoiled celebrities.

Sexual Content

Several men (not Phoenix) are shown fully naked. In one scene, Phoenix browses sexy pictures on the internet, hires two prostitutes, and uses crude sexual language. The prostitutes are seen naked (with their faces blurred out) and partly (almost) engaged in sexual acts.

Violence

Phoenix fights with his personal assistant -- mostly verbally, but once there's a face slap, and in another scene, there's a full-on brawl after a disgruntled assistant defecates on Phoenix while the actor sleeps, and Phoenix wakes up and starts fighting. There's also a fight at a concert.

Language

This movie could set a record for the most frequent onscreen use of "f--k," though it will be up to others to do the actual counting (it's easily over 200). Also fairly frequent uses of "s--t" and "bitch," as well as occasional uses of "d--k," "c--t," "Jesus Christ" (as an exclamation), "oh my God," "c--ksucker," "ass," and the "N" word.

Social Behavior

Phoenix essentially quits a job that he doesn't like to start a new one that suits him better. There might have been some inspiration to others if that was all, but he goes about this life change in a spoiled, selfish, and aggravating way, alienating all those who would help him. The fact that the film isn't actually a real documentary but was staged to look that way doesn't change the fact that this is what viewers who aren't in on the "joke" will take away from the movie.

Consumerism

Not applicable.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

A secondary character is an alcoholic. Phoenix is seen smoking cigarettes and pot, snorting coke, and drinking beer.