Based on long-suppressed sections of the writings of Anais Nin (Maria de Medeiros, "Pulp Fiction"), "Henry & June" makes for a fairly enjoyable picture. It details Ms. Nins' journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening as she keeps bed hopping, especially after making the acquaintance of American author Henry Miller (Fred Ward, "Tremors") and his seductive wife June (Uma Thurman, "Kill Bill" 1 & 2).
"Henry & June" is not to all tastes, to be sure: it's *very* slow, and some viewers will find it ponderous to try to sit through for two hours and 16 minutes. At the time, the amount of adult content was controversial enough to induce the ratings board to create a new rating of "NC-17". Scripted by director Philip Kaufman, with his wife Rose, it allows a glimpse into the creative process of these celebrated 20th century writers while crafting a wonderful recreation of Paris in the 1930s, and some potent atmosphere. The result is an effective melding of art and exploitation, complete with some mild sex scenes and a generous dose of nudity. Since the tale is told through Ms. Nins' eyes (and her perception of her new acquaintances), it's not to be mistaken for a biopic.
The film is cast extremely well. Both Thurman and de Medeiros are positively intoxicating, and in fact Thurman leaves such an impression in her early scenes that one does miss June when the character leaves the story for a while. Ward may indeed deliver a rather broad performance, but he really is a lot of fun to watch. Richard E. Grant ("Withnail & I") co-stars as Hugo, Ms. Nins' husband when we first meet her. Kevin Spacey ("The Usual Suspects") is amusing in a small, not terribly consequential role. Juan Luis Bunuel, son of the legendary filmmaker Luis Bunuel, plays the publisher in the films' opening minutes.
It is true that Kaufman and company go the route of appealing more to adult intellects; much of the time, they're not really trying to titillate you (which could definitely cause "Henry & June" to lose some viewers). But de Medeiros' performance (a case study in wide-eyed, previously untested sexuality), and the great look of the film (capturing the sights & sounds of the city and the era) do make it entertaining to watch.
Seven out of 10.
"Henry & June" is not to all tastes, to be sure: it's *very* slow, and some viewers will find it ponderous to try to sit through for two hours and 16 minutes. At the time, the amount of adult content was controversial enough to induce the ratings board to create a new rating of "NC-17". Scripted by director Philip Kaufman, with his wife Rose, it allows a glimpse into the creative process of these celebrated 20th century writers while crafting a wonderful recreation of Paris in the 1930s, and some potent atmosphere. The result is an effective melding of art and exploitation, complete with some mild sex scenes and a generous dose of nudity. Since the tale is told through Ms. Nins' eyes (and her perception of her new acquaintances), it's not to be mistaken for a biopic.
The film is cast extremely well. Both Thurman and de Medeiros are positively intoxicating, and in fact Thurman leaves such an impression in her early scenes that one does miss June when the character leaves the story for a while. Ward may indeed deliver a rather broad performance, but he really is a lot of fun to watch. Richard E. Grant ("Withnail & I") co-stars as Hugo, Ms. Nins' husband when we first meet her. Kevin Spacey ("The Usual Suspects") is amusing in a small, not terribly consequential role. Juan Luis Bunuel, son of the legendary filmmaker Luis Bunuel, plays the publisher in the films' opening minutes.
It is true that Kaufman and company go the route of appealing more to adult intellects; much of the time, they're not really trying to titillate you (which could definitely cause "Henry & June" to lose some viewers). But de Medeiros' performance (a case study in wide-eyed, previously untested sexuality), and the great look of the film (capturing the sights & sounds of the city and the era) do make it entertaining to watch.
Seven out of 10.