Phoenix Rising

A documentary of this nature (psychological/sexual abuse) is always going to provoke strong opinions. As long as the viewer understands what "Phoenix Rising" is--and what it isn't--it can be appreciated.

For a very basic overview, this doc tells the story of Evan Rachel Wood, an actress probably most famous for her current role on the HBO hit "Westworld". Wood details how, after beginning a relationship with Brian Warner (also known as Marilyn Manson), she was "groomed" by him, or sexually and psychologically tormented for many years. After escaping the relationship, Wood becomes a strong advocate for legislation that promotes a longer statute of limitations for women to pursue prosecution against their abusers.

For the most part, "Phoenix Rising" is Wood's harrowing tale of how Warner brutalized her (physically and emotionally). Some of the descriptions are truly not for the faint of heart. I have absolutely no doubts that she was subjected to intense torment at his hands. In almost every sense, Warner deserves to be investigated and vetted for everything Wood accuses him of, as if true it constitutes severe abuse (if not outright domestic slavery, at times).

That being said, "Phoenix Rising" is very much Wood's story--not a comprehensive account of relationship violence as a whole. For example, I think a reasonable assumption can be made that there might exist some personal/familial factors that contributed towards Wood's long-term association with Manson. Again, that isn't to say that I distrust anything Wood is bringing to the table here--only that we are only getting her interpretations of events here and we're all sort of the hero of our own story. The fact that no introspection exists here from Wood was a bit disappointing--it's all about going after Warner.

There are also a few times where "Phoenix Rising" is downright manipulative. For example, Wood's fractured parental structure is played for sympathy, while Warner's similar upbringing is used to demonize him. This doc really doesn't play fair, in that aspect, and Warner is such an easy target that such subtle stylings easily go unnoticed.

Overall, "Phoenix Rising" ends up being a solid--and often heartbreaking--documentary. A story that deserves to be told, to be certain. However, it isn't spectacular because of how manipulative it can be narrative-wise and--fairly or unfairly--how it doesn't present any introspection or bird's-eye view of the entire situation.

This documentary follows Wood along her path to healing and justice after suffering from a severely abusive relationship with Brian Warner. I always thought MM was a waste of everyone's time, and I'm not overly surprised that he's awful, I mean, he's been telling us how messed up and dark he is (and wants to be this way) for a long time.

I really feel for her, and hope he goes to prison.

It was horrifying & shocking to see what Ms. Wood endured at the hands of her abuser, but awe-inspiring to learn how she channeled her energies into helping other survivors. Pushing to change archaic laws with arbitrary statues of limitation is a cause that will help countless victims of crimes. Shining a light on abusers by both naming them & outlining their tactics will help prevent future victims from being preyed upon. Knowledge truly is power.

The backlash from this film will undoubtedly open wounds both new & old, and the path will continue to be difficult to walk. I sincerely hope that Ms. Wood can take heart knowing that her strength has inspired & empowered others. I hope she can heal, live her life on her own terms, and continue bringing amazing things into this world. Shalom aleichem.

Brave, poignant and extremely important viewing for today's society that struggles with an enormous amount of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse in every level of society. No one is immune and Evan Rachel Wood rips herself wide open to expose just how true this is even as an A list Hollywood actor dating a rock icon. Victims are shamed and slandered while abusers are often given all the rights due to extremely outdated laws and a corrupt criminal justice system. Evan has helped change this through speaking out. It takes an enormous amount of backbone, integrity and strength to stand up and speak out about this kind of thing after being systematically tortured, isolated, manipulated, abused, harassed and controlled. It is a targeted demantling of your entire soul, carefully crafted so slowly by the narcissist who has selected you, groomed you and put you up on the highest pedastal during the love bombing and future faking process only to suddenly drop you down to the fires of hell where you are tortured and laughed at, mocked and devalued. It's difficult to explain unless you have lived it. I have, I was almost killed by my ex narcissist abuser and the criminal justice system failed me in a big way with 19 charges being dropped on technicalities, then refusing to arrest him over and over despite him reoffending while on conditions and allowing him to not appear in court 6 times without any consequences.

He has now moved on to abuse new victims and still hasn't been rearrested even while on probation. He is similar to Manson but on a smaller scale....being a metal drummer for a band with some small time success in the late 90s and early 2000s and a Psychic medium in our state. He preys on vulnerable empathic women in exactly the same way, he even uses some of the same phrases which was triggering for me to watch. I have an enormous amount of respect for this woman for standing up to her abuser and speaking her truth. Facts and evidence don't lie. This film takes you through the heartbreaking journey with her in shocking detail. I stand with Evan Rachel Woods. Heartbreaking but must see film. Thank You Evan.

This documentary has an important message, and it goes more into detail on Brian Warner and his borderline pedophilia and sexual abuse.

However, the documentary itself is far too long with way too many random panoramic shots on landscapes and close ups of Wood doing nothing.

I would have appreciate less time on the reality-show aspect of Wood's daily life, and more time spent on the other victims, the power structure in Hollywood, and the victim blaming culture - the continuous focus on Woods might make folks pull away, as it ends up becoming more of a biography than an awareness campaign.

I did, however, appreciate the small snippet on the statute of limitations (what an awful concept).