title: Punching the Clown
text: # 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.
  
  