Henry Miller: Asleep & Awake

Henry Miller: Asleep & Awake is a fascinating documentary film that explores the life and worldview of the eponymous iconic American writer, Henry Miller. The film is as much a captivating study of Miller's persona as it is a reflection of his revolutionary perspectives on life, art, culture, and society. The intimate exploration of Miller's thoughts and experiences captures the essence of his writing style, rendering a vivid picture of a man known for his idiosyncratic observations about life and his insightful, albeit often controversial, insights into human nature.

The film takes place largely within the confines of the bathroom in Henry Miller's home in Pacific Palisades, California. This setting might seem peculiar, yet it becomes clear that this bathroom, filled to the brim with his art collection and other eclectic memorabilia, is a microcosm of Henry Miller's eclectic mind and vast experiences.

The 35-minute film, directed by Tom Schiller, is a unique blend of biography, art-house aesthetics, and social commentary, and it is an intimate portrayal of an author who has long inspired fascination and controversy. The narrative structure of “Henry Miller: Asleep & Awake” intertwines aspects of Miller's personal stories with his musings on artwork and artifacts in his bathroom.

Henry Miller, himself, is the heart of the film. The 85-year-old author leads viewers on a tour through his bathroom, describing each cherished item's origin and significance while painting a mosaic of small tales and anecdotes. His narration is oddly captivating, filled with the same colorful, evocative, and often provocative language that marks his written work. Through the storytelling, the bathroom transforms into a labyrinth of his memories, thoughts, and encounters, an assemblage of curious little narratives that add up to a vibrant portrait of this intriguing personality.

The film provides insight into Miller's colorful life, his journey from New York to the bohemian circles of Paris and eventually to California, revealing his perspectives, infused with his trademark humor and defiance. He shares insights about his upbringing, about the artists and thinkers who influenced him, and about his motivations as a writer. The film amplifies Miller’s unabashed discussions on sexuality, mysticism, and the soul's journey, reflecting upon Miller's revolutionary dismissal of societal conventions and restraints, which was reflected in his literary works.

"Miller: Asleep & Awake" also delves into Miller’s deep interest in art, culture, and spirituality. This fascination is illustrated by his eclectic bathroom gallery. He shares his thoughts on various artists, recounting personal encounters with them, unveiling what each painting or artifact means to him. These thoughts project his wide-ranging knowledge and unique perspective on art and artists.

This film is not just a simple walkthrough of his collection; instead, it takes the viewer on a journey through the dynamic inner world of a man whose intense curiosity about life and art led him to challenge cultural norms and express his thoughts in ways that were both controversial and captivating. Miller's raw, untamed humorous commentary gives a tantalizing glimpse of the essence of his character and his writing.

"Miller: Asleep & Awake" displays its subject in his element, allowing his narrations to establish a rhythm and heart that makes the small space of a bathroom grow into a sprawling universe of ideas, experiences, and human connections. Even if you aren't familiar with Henry Miller’s literary works, his outpouring of memories, thoughts, philosophy, and his charismatic personality make this film well worth the watch.

This film is not a traditional biographic account but a vivid living tapestry of an exceptional individual's life and thoughts. Its value lies not just in its reflection of Henry Miller- the author but also in its testament to a man who lived passionately, examining life through his unique lens and articulating his observations in an unforgettable way. This epitomizes the allure of “Henry Miller: Asleep & Awake,” a piece that is a compelling blend of art, culture, philosophy, and storytelling, presented through the enthralling oratory style of Henry Miller himself.