Arthur Miller: Writer

Arthur Miller: Writer is an intimate, thoughtful, and heartfelt documentary film released in 2017 which provides a comprehensive, in-depth look at the life and work of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and essayist, Arthur Miller. The film is unique, informative and compelling, featuring stellar performances by Joan Allen, Robert Breuler, and Joan Copeland. The movie delves into Miller's life, emphasizing his evolution as a writer, as well as his extensive journey in the world of theatre that made him one of the most influential figures in American literary history.

What sets this film apart from other biographic documentaries is that it is directed by Miller's own daughter, Rebecca Miller, who brings a distinct personal perspective to her father's life story. Her approach enhances the story's authenticity, providing nuances and subtleties that only someone close to Miller could provide, revealing a private side of Arthur Miller that's rarely been open to the public.

The film presents a chronological narrative of his life, beginning with Arthur Miller's early years in New York City, detailing his formative encounters and experiences that would shape his writing and give rise to his political consciousness. It also touches on his time at the University of Michigan, where he began his career in playwriting, providing a vital early start to his illustrious career.

The cast, including Joan Allen, Robert Breuler, Joan Copeland, and others, provides a formidable portrayal of the people who shaped Miller's life and career. Through revealing interviews and conversations, they offer insightful views on Miller’s writing process, motivations, inspirations and his devotion to the theatre. Through their skilled storytelling, the film brilliantly captures the essence of Miller's genius whilst also revealing his human side, painting a picture of a man who was as full of complexities and contradictions as the characters in his plays.

The film doesn't shy away from Miller's personal life, his marriages, family, and friendships. One of the most poignant aspects of the film is exploring Miller's famed yet controversial marriage to Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe. This segment is treated with great sensitivity, revealing the complexity and the pressures of their tempestuous relationship, without resorting to sensationalism. It also covers his often turbulent relationship with his children from his various marriages, shedding light on a less-discussed aspect of his personal life, in a telling manner that is both moving and impactful.

But at the heart of Arthur Miller: Writer is Miller's craft — his writing. The film aligns the events of Miller's life with the narratives of his plays, offering profound insights into how his experiences influenced his profound and game-changing works. Rebecca Miller brings forth Miller's words, thoughts, and processes, presenting a rare peek into his writing life, its ups and downs and the vision behind his most groundbreaking plays.

Interspersed within the film are numerous clips and stills from many of Miller's enduring and successful productions like Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, and A View from the Bridge. These snippets not only highlight the timeless nature of Miller’s work, but also the immense impact he had on the American theatre and the cultural landscape even decades after their debut.

A tremendous strength of the film lies in Rebecca Miller’s directorial approach. Personal home movie footage, archival material, and one-on-one interviews with the writer himself create a vivid, multidimensional tapestry of his life. The movie serves as an homage and a tribute, but it also doesn’t hide away from showing the man behind the name, with all his strengths and faults.

Arthur Miller: Writer is a powerful and intricate film that succeeds in offering a fresh perspective on an iconic figure whose works continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. As a beautifully woven tapestry of his life, it is a treat for theatre, literature aficionados, and fans of Miller’s monumental work alike. Despite its deeply personal narrative, the film holds broad appeal, capturing the essence of an era, offering crucial commentary on American society, and documenting the life of one of its greatest playwrights.