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.

A chilling documentary on an age-old problem, domestic violence. What grabs our attention is that both people in the couple involved are famous. If you can get past the name recognition you will see all the telltake signs of classic abuse: grooming, honeymoon period, isolation, escalation from verbal to physical abuse, gaslighting, threats and a tremendous power imbalance. It would be mundane were it not so horrifying.

As usual, we have reviews here that are not discussing the contents of the film. The fact is that if the accused is not guilty of what is alleged, he must say that there was no basis for anything in his art and in his autobiography, whereas everything his accuser says is backed up by everything he has in his music, his videos and his own published account of his life and mental state. I believe her because I believe him. If the accusations are not true, he has hurt himself by spontaneously creating this preponderance of evidence for over a decade and then disavowing it when suddenly people actually took him at his word.

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).

This documentary is one woman's story of abuse. There is, despite some reviewer's posts, a ten year statue of limitations for sexual assault/domestic violence in California and that was extended from 1-3 by the Phoenix Project founded by Evan Rachel Wood and her work for survivors. It is sad that we live in a world where women must take measures such as these to be heard and seen, only to have anonymous posters attempt to discredit them.

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.