Henry & June Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A wealthy writer, her banker husband, and a broke novelist and his wife swap partners, muse on art, and accidentally invent the NC-17 rating.

🍿 Henry & June: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to 1930s Paris

The film opens in 1931 Paris, introducing Anaïs Nin, a writer financially supported by her banker husband, Hugo. Anaïs craves deeper connections and artistic experiences beyond her comfortable but conventional marriage. Hugo, attempting to fulfill her desires, introduces her to the struggling American writer, Henry Miller.

The Arrival of Henry and June Miller

Anaïs is immediately intrigued by Henry and his unconventional lifestyle. She loans him her typewriter and discovers the bohemian world he inhabits, a stark contrast to her own. Soon after, Henry’s wife, June, arrives, captivating Anaïs with her beauty and enigmatic persona. A complex dynamic begins to form between the three.

Entanglement and Exploration

As June prepares to return to America, Anaïs becomes increasingly drawn to both Henry and June. The film explores the complexities of their relationships, touching on themes of sexual liberation and artistic expression. Anaïs embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging her conventional beliefs and exploring her own desires.

Affairs and Artistic Conflicts

With June gone, Anaïs begins an affair with Henry, further complicating her relationship with Hugo. The film delves into the creative process as Henry works on his novel, “Tropic of Cancer,” and Anaïs writes about June. Tensions arise as their artistic endeavors and personal lives become increasingly intertwined, leading to conflicts and betrayals.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Anaïs Nin (Maria de Medeiros): A French writer exploring her sexuality and artistic expression in 1930s Paris, chronicling her experiences in her diary.
• Henry Miller (Fred Ward): An American writer working on his controversial novel, ‘Tropic of Cancer,’ while navigating a complex relationship with his wife and Anaïs.
• June Miller (Uma Thurman): Henry’s bisexual wife who has an alluring and troubled presence, inspiring both Henry and Anaïs and struggling with her own identity.
• Hugo (Richard E. Grant): Anaïs’ supportive but increasingly sidelined husband who funds her lifestyle while remaining somewhat oblivious to her affairs.
• Osborn (Kevin Spacey): An eccentric playwright and friend of Henry and Anaïs, providing a glimpse into the bohemian world of artists in Paris.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• June Miller: “I’ve done the vilest things – the foulest things – but I’ve done them… superbly.” – June speaks this line to Anaïs, revealing her complex and unapologetic nature.
• Henry Miller: “Everybody says sex is obscene. The only true obscenity is war.” – Henry expresses his controversial views on sexuality and its place in society.
• Anaïs: “This diary is my kief, hashish, and opium pipe. This is my drug and my vice.” – Anais explains the importance of her diary as the medium of her inner self.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,567,449
• Worldwide Gross: $23,472,449

💥 Henry & June Reviews

Personal Review

As a fan of Anais Nin’s diaries, I was drawn to this movie. The atmosphere of 1930s Paris is so thick you can almost taste it. Maria de Medeiros is perfect as Anais. While some may find the story meandering, I found it a fascinating exploration of sexuality and artistic inspiration. One of my favorites.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas set in the 1930s”
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional love stories”
  • “Those interested in films exploring artistic expression and sexual liberation”
  • “Admirers of Anaïs Nin and Henry Miller’s works”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Explicit sexual content”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Adultery”
  • “Lesbian relationship”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “A visually stunning film that captures the bohemian spirit of 1930s Paris. Kaufman masterfully explores the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between art and life, although some may find the pacing slow.
• Deadline Film + TV: “The film features some wonderful photography. However, some of the characters are not likable and it has some dull spots. It does, however, offer some visual treats.

Audience Reactions

Maria de Medeiros’s portrayal of Anais Nin is captivating.: The cinematography and atmosphere perfectly capture 1930s Paris.

Uma Thurman’s performance as June Miller is a standout.: The film is sensual and thought-provoking, exploring complex relationships.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and sensual film that explores the complex relationships between artists in 1930s Paris, though some find the plot meandering and the characters unlikeable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Henry & June was the first film to receive the NC-17 rating in the United States, precipitating the creation of the rating by the MPAA.”
• “The film is based on excerpts from Anais Nin’s diaries, which were not published until after the deaths of the main figures involved.”
• “Director Philip Kaufman also directed ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being,’ another adaptation of a novel exploring complex relationships and sexuality.”

🖥️ How to Watch Henry & June?

As a historical drama, “Henry & June” is available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon. Check your local streaming services for rental options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Henry & June, you might like these similar films:

• The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988): Another Phillip Kaufman film exploring complex relationships, sexual freedom, and intellectual pursuits in Europe.
• Naked Lunch (1991): Explores the life and mind of a writer (William S. Burroughs) grappling with controversial subject matter and personal demons, similar to Henry Miller’s struggles.
• Nora (2000): A biographical drama focusing on the relationship between James Joyce and his wife Nora Barnacle, exploring themes of love, literature, and personal sacrifice.
• Before Sunrise (1995): A film about two young people who meet on a train and spend a romantic evening together in Vienna. As they explore the city, they engage in deep conversations about life, love, and relationships. Much of the drama in the film comes from the characters’ intellectual connection and emotional intimacy.

🛒 Henry & June Related Products

• Henry & June: The Unexpurgated Diary of Anaïs Nin (1931-1932): Read the unabridged diary that inspired the film. Gain deeper insights into Anais Nin’s mind and experiences, explore her thoughts, and understand her relationship with Henry Miller.
• Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller: Read the uncensored novel at the center of the story. This groundbreaking book is a must-read for anyone interested in Henry Miller and his influence on 20th-century literature.
• Henry & June [Blu-ray]: Own the beautifully shot film in high definition. Enjoy the stunning visuals and captivating performances in the best possible quality, includes commentary and special features.
• Henry & June Movie Poster: Decorate your space with the iconic poster of the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Henry & June features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Le Sacre du Printemps” – performed by Igor Stravinsky
• “Parlez-moi d’amour” – performed by Jean Lenoir
• “Les chemins de l’amour” – performed by Francis Poulenc
• “Barnacle Bill The Sailor” – performed by Frank Luther

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Nip/Tuck with Telefon Tel Aviv

Ever wondered what Henry & June looks like set to electronic music? This music video uses a scene from the movie, and it’s surprisingly sensual and artistic. I think it’s worth checking out for a unique perspective.

✨ Rate