Henry Miller

Two simultaneous explorations: One of the relationship between the author Henry Miller and his beloved Paris, France. The other; a travelogue documenting a group of artists and poets who've traveled to Paris to retrace Miller's footsteps.

The US writer Henry Miller (1891-1980), scandalous and nonconformist creator, hated by the most recalcitrant puritans, was a vilified genius, considered a threat, accused of being a sexist, of consciously pursuing the destruction of every civic principle; but he was also someone venerated as a saint, as a sex guru; and today as one of the most important characters of the twentieth century.

In this artistic exploration of the life and work of writer Henry Miller, filmmaker Joe Kishton skillfully weaves clips of films and interviews of Miller with the music of Laurie Anderson. From Miller himself we hear of his difficult relationship with his parents, and of his need to create, even (or especially) when his message abrades social mores.

An account of the revolutionary years of the legendary American journalist John Reed, who shared his adventurous professional life with his radical commitment to the socialist revolution in Russia, his dream of spreading its principles among the members of the American working class, and his troubled romantic relationship with the writer Louise Bryant.

Writer Henry Miller, the colossus of Big Sur, at work, living in, revising old haunts in Brooklyn and Paris. He generously reveals how he saw his era, his peers and himself. He recalls his painful youth and his struggle to survive as a writer. He talks about art, dreams, and the allure of Paris. He reads passages from his works and enjoys himself with friends. What emerges is Miller’s charm, his gentleness and his lust for life.

In this documentary Anais Nin is shown at work, at home, and talking with and about her influences: D.H. Lawrence, Otto Rank, Henry Miller, Lawrence Durrell, Martha Graham, Noguchi, Kenneth Anger, Maya Daren, Edmund Wilson, Lou Andreas-Salome and others.

Henry Miller discusses his art as a writer, among friends and colleagues such as Lawrence Durell and Anais Nin among others.

Expat American writer Henry Miller hustles his way through Paris in a series of amorous encounters while trying to find his literary voice.