Punching the Clown
# Punching the Clown

Punching the Clown is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Gregori Viens and starring Henry Phillips as a semi-fictionalized version of himself.

## Premise

Henry (Phillips) is a struggling singer-songwriter comic in Los Angeles who suddenly finds success and then is subjected to the cruelty of show business.

## Production

The film includes both scripted scenes as well as portions of actual live performances by Phillips.

## Reception

Punching the Clown has been received positively by critics and holds an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also won the Audience Award at the 2009 Slamdance Film Festival.

