I'm Still Here: Full cast list explored
I'm Still Here is a 2010 mockumentary directed by Casey Affleck. The co-writers, Affleck and Phoenix, also star in the movie, with its focus on Joker star Phoenix assuming a fictional path from being a revered Hollywood actor transitioning into a rap career. Although the movie uses a documentary look and feel, it is not completely based on reality.
In fact, it is fiction. However, it integrates aspects of reality in the life of Phoenix to blur the lines drawn between real life and acting. The film is a satirical comedy about fame, media scrutiny, and celebrity culture, poking fun at the entertainment industry.
When it came out, everyone was confused as Phoenix remained in character during all public appearances while filming. This left audiences and the media to wonder whether or not what happened was real.
The full cast list of I'm Still Here explored
1) Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix plays himself in I'm Still Here, portraying his infamous self-destructive phase as he transitions from a Hollywood actor to an aspiring rap artist. Known for his intense performances, Phoenix has starred in acclaimed films such as Gladiator (2000), Walk the Line (2005), Her (2013), and Joker (2019).
In I'm Still Here, Phoenix's character is shown as a deeply troubled, eccentric version of himself, retreating into a life of excess, confusion, and philosophical rants. His unpredictable behavior in the film blurs the line between reality and fiction, making the audience question the authenticity of his actions.
2) Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs
Rapper Sean Combs (also known as Puff Daddy, Diddy) appears as himself, offering Phoenix advice on his music career.
In I'm Still Here, Combs becomes a mentor figure to Phoenix, although their interactions often seem absurd and strained. This highlights the absurdity of Phoenix's career transition and the spectacle surrounding it.
3) Casey Affleck
Casey Affleck, a talented actor and director known for his roles in Good Will Hunting (1997) and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007), also appears as himself in I'm Still Here.
As the director and co-writer of the mockumentary, Affleck plays a key role in documenting Phoenix's journey, though his character is often portrayed as more of a passive observer of Phoenix's increasingly erratic behavior. Affleck's presence behind the camera adds a layer of reality to the staged events, blurring the lines of authorship in the film.
4) Antony Langdon
Antony Langdon, a musician and member of the band Spacehog, plays himself in I'm Still Here, contributing to Phoenix’s musical aspirations. Langdon, known for his distinctive voice and eclectic musical style, offers Phoenix his assistance as he pursues his rap career.
His involvement with Phoenix provides a glimpse into the music world, though Langdon's interactions with Phoenix are often tinged with absurdity, emphasizing the chaotic nature of Phoenix's journey.
5) Mos Def
Mos Def, also known as Yasiin Bey, is a successful rapper and actor who stars in I'm Still Here as himself. Mos Def has been in such films as Be Kind Rewind (2008) and The Italian Job (2003) but is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work in hip-hop. Throughout the film, he gives Phoenix guidance on the rap game and looks back on the ridiculousness of Phoenix's endeavor to become a rapper.
Mos Def's appearance helps reinforce the mockumentary's criticism of celebrity culture as his cool demeanor provides a contrast against the crazy antics of Phoenix.
6) Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller, known for various other films such as Zoolander (2001), Meet the Parents (2000), and Tropic Thunder (2008), plays himself in it. In a satirical vein, Stiller's presence cuts through the absurdity of Phoenix's professional change.
His scenes in the movie demonstrate the ridiculousness of the celebrity machine, but at the same time, add humor to the mockumentary while showing the odd relationships that evolve in Hollywood.
7) Edward James Olmos
Edward James Olmos, the celebrated actor known for his iconic roles in Blade Runner (1982) and Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009), appears as himself in I'm Still Here. Olmos brings gravitas to the film as he engages in philosophical discussions with Phoenix, offering guidance to the increasingly lost actor.
His presence in the film highlights the clash between Phoenix’s artistic aspirations and the complex realities of the entertainment industry.
8) Jamie Foxx
Oscar-winning actor and musician Jamie Foxx appears as himself, adding an additional layer of star power to the film. Known for his work in Ray (2004), Django Unchained (2012), and his successful music career, Foxx plays a more grounded version of himself, offering Phoenix insight into the music industry.
Foxx's interactions with Phoenix offer a humorous contrast to the increasingly bizarre events unfolding throughout the film.
9) Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal, the legendary comedian and actor known for his roles in When Harry Met Sally (1989) and City Slickers (1991), plays himself in I'm Still Here. Crystal’s appearance adds a humorous touch to the film, as he offers Phoenix a moment of levity in the midst of his downward spiral.
Crystal’s seasoned comedic timing highlights the absurdity of Phoenix's antics, making his scenes a mix of satire and surreal humor.
10) Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson, the iconic actor known for his roles in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), The Shining (1980), and As Good As It Gets (1997), makes an appearance as himself. Nicholson’s presence brings a sense of Hollywood legacy to the film, and his scenes with Phoenix underscore the ridiculousness of Phoenix’s career shift.
Nicholson plays an important role in anchoring the film in Hollywood's bigger-than-life scenario, while simultaneously commenting on the absurdity of celebrity culture.
Additional cast of the movie explored
Beyond the main cast, I'm Still Here features several notable celebrities, each appearing as themselves and contributing to the mockumentary's meta-narrative. Danny DeVito, celebrated for his roles in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Matilda, is also a part of it.
Bruce Willis, known for action classics like Die Hard, brings his no-nonsense persona into a cameo that highlights Hollywood’s larger-than-life personalities. Robin Wright (House of Cards, Forrest Gump) makes a notable appearance.
Hugh Grant, known for his roles in romantic comedies like Notting Hill and Love Actually, and Natalie Portman (Black Swan, Thor) also features in the movie.
Sean Penn, Tim Affleck, Casey Affleck's father, and Matthew Maher (Gone Baby Gone, Marriage Story), also make cameos in the movie.
Interested viewers can watch I'm Still Here on Amazon Prime Video.
