River Song

I know all my fellow Browncoats out there were probably looking for a post about my girl River Tam, but this piece is about my other River, River Phoenix. Halloween 2012 came and went, 19 years now since his tragic death. I could not believe how long it had been since I had last seen that amazing face, those haunting eyes. 19 years and he still inspires me today.

River had that indefinable something that made his star burn brighter, hotter, faster. He was an actor, musician, activist and artist. I remember seeing him for the first time on Michael J. Fox's show Family Ties as a nerd named Eugene who crushed on Jennifer, the youngest sister. From Stand By Me to Jimmy Reardon to Mosquito Coast to Little Nikita to Running On Empty, I followed his career, lemming to his Pied Piper. My favorite performances coming in My Own Private Idaho and Dogfight.And of course who can forget him as young Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade?

He is easily dismissed as an unfortunate Hollywood misadventure, a young man who allowed himself to get taken down by drugs, but he was oh so much more. He was a vegan, an activist for PETA and tried to be a force for good. He aided many environmental organizations and purchased 800 acres of the Costa Rican rainforest so that it could be saved. It is now a wildlife refuge.

River was also an accomplished singer, songwriter and guitar player, forming the band Aleka's Attic in 1987. He wrote and recorded songs for charity albums including Across the Way for  PETA's Tame Yourself. In 1996 his song Note To A Friend was released on the In Defense of Animals Vol II album with Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers on bass. Phoenix was a great friend to the band and in 1997 guitarist John Fresciante recorded his collaborations with River Height Down and Well I've Been on his solo project Smile from the Streets You Hold.

River knew that writing/ acting were about committing to a story, not worrying about whether or not someone thought it was good. It had to be good to only you. I think we writers/artists sometimes get caught up in what our potential audience will think, that we try to write for them. Ultimately, we are the only ones who matter, we are the only one who have to believe. I think that's a valuable lesson we can all learn from River and take with us whatever our projects.

Recently, his final film, Dark Blood, was screened at the Netherlands Film Festival  and there are plans to distribute it world wide. His family is not so enthusiastic, stating that they have moved on and do not want River's name run through the media again. Understandable. River was a huge talent, whose light went out far too quickly, but in such a short period of time, 11 years, he managed to create a volume of work (14 films, 9 television appearances) that have left an indelible impression. 

Were you or are you a River Phoenix fan? Can you believe how time has passed? Do you think his final film should be released?