By Kara Warner

Joaquin Phoenix
Photo: Jacob Andrzejczak/ Getty Images

While fans of Joaquin Phoenix remain divided about whether to take the actor’s rap music aspirations seriously — some saying his bizarre public appearances qualify him for “kooky actor” status, à la Gary Busey — he may get the last laugh. The documentary “I’m Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix,” has been picked up for distribution and release by Magnolia films, according to a recent report.

Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles confirmed to Deadline.com that the film, directed by Phoenix’s brother-in-law Casey Affleck, is slated for a platform release on September 10, with a wide roll-out planned for a week later.

Bowles told Deadline’s Nikki Finke that the film, which chronicles his evolution from A-list actor to MC, will surprise people — in a good way.

“No matter what I thought coming in, I came out feeling this was a pretty amazing piece of work, jaw-dropping but dimensional,” Bowles said.

“It is going to get a lot of attention, but it is not some cheap stunt where they said, ‘Let’s do some wild stuff and film it,’ ” he continued. “It is extreme behavior but really good filmmaking as well. Frankly, some of the behavior is very extreme. But it is in the context of the insanity of being in Joaquin’s life for that period of time. It is a unique piece of work that is going to surprise people in different ways.”

Not too long ago, a credible hip-hop authority told MTV News that Phoenix’s foray into rap was legitimate and that his career change was no hoax.

“If he’s not for real, he tricked me,” Diddy told us in May.

What do you think about Phoenix’s career change? Are you convinced he’s for real? Tell us in the comments!

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