Joaquin Phoenix's Letterman interview a stunt

This David Letterman appearance from February 2009? All a ruse, a fake, an Andy Kaufman.

(Not that anyone really ever suspected otherwise. The New  York Times interviewed Casey Affleck - producer of Joaquin Phoenix's much-panned "I'm Still Here" - who said  that Phoenix's appearance was all part of an act for the movie. The movie includes the appearance in its entirety, which should tell you plenty, by the way.

Affleck also claims Dave was not in on the trickery.

Do you believe that? I'm not sure. Maybe Affleck was providing cover for Dave because - if true -  why would a fooled Dave want him back on "Late Show"  (next week)? Or ...

You'll be surprised to learn, I have theories!

1) Letterman learned afterward that the whole thing was staged, got a good laugh out of it, and said "go ahead, use it in the film."

2) Letterman's production company, CBS or Viacom had a financial stake in Phoenix's film (doubtful - I really don't believe this at all, but bring it up anyway).

3) Dave wanted to do another Andy Kaufman! This I do believe. Letterman and Kaufman - sadly, now gone many years - go way back. Dave got famous mileage out of Andy and vice versa. Phoenix was another Andy. I suspect Dave knew this was a stunt all along. Check out this classic clip ...