Henry & June *** (1990, Fred Ward, Uma Thurman, Maria de Medeiros, Richard E Grant, Kevin Spacey,) – Classic Movie Review 10,734

Director Philip Kaufman’s 1990 biographical drama Henry & June is a truly erotic piece of cinema, set in Paris in the early 1930s. The author Henry Miller (Fred Ward) and his wife June (Uma Thurman) are in a love and literary triangle with the famous diarist Anaïs Nin (Maria de Mederios).

Based on the book by Anaïs Nin, Henry & June explores the sexual awakening of Nin, torn between her love for her husband Hugo (Richard E Grant), and for Miller and for June.

The film is overlong at 136 minutes and lacks focus, but its full-frontal examination of sex has the power to shock or delight, and the performances, especially by the two women, are fascinating.

It is written by Philip Kaufman and Rose Kaufman, based on the book by Anaïs Nin.

Also in the cast are Kevin Spacey, Jean-Philippe Ecoffey, Bruce Myers, Jean-Louis Buñuel, Féodor Atkine, Sylvie Huguel, Artus de Penguern, Pierre Etaix, Pierre Edernac, Gaëtan Bloom, Alexandre De Gall, Karine Couverlard, Louis Bessières and Gary Oldman.

Henry & June is directed by Philip Kaufman, runs 136 minutes, is made by Walrus & Associates and Ministère de la Culture de la Republique Française, is released by Universal, is written by Philip Kaufman and Rose Kaufman, based on the book by Anaïs Nin, is shot by Philippe Rousselot, is produced by Peter Kaufman, is scored by Mark Adler and is designed by Guy-Claude François.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,734

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