Henry & June (1990)
Rating: IMDb: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 77%
Main Cast: Fred Ward, Uma Thurman, Maria de Medeiros, Richard E. Grant
Director: Philip Kaufman
Plot Summary:
Henry & June is a provocative and visually arresting exploration of the passionate and tumultuous relationships between the celebrated American author Henry Miller (Fred Ward), his free-spirited wife June (Uma Thurman), and the French diarist Anaïs Nin (Maria de Medeiros). Based on Nin’s unexpurgated diaries, the film captures the intensity of artistic expression and the complexity of human desires in 1930s Paris.
Anaïs Nin, trapped in a conventional marriage, finds her life transformed when she meets Henry Miller and his captivating, unconventional wife June. Drawn into their world of sexual exploration and creative ambition, Anaïs embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges societal norms and her own inhibitions. Through their relationships, the trio inspires and torments one another, blurring the lines between art, love, and obsession.
Directed by Philip Kaufman, Henry & June is celebrated for its lush cinematography and fearless performances. Maria de Medeiros captures Anaïs’ vulnerability and longing, while Uma Thurman delivers a striking performance as the enigmatic and volatile June. Fred Ward brings raw energy to Henry Miller, portraying him as both a literary maverick and a deeply flawed man.
The first film to receive an NC-17 rating, Henry & June balances sensuality with artistic depth, offering a candid portrayal of love and creativity that is both thought-provoking and visually sumptuous. It remains a bold and unforgettable exploration of the intersection of life and art.