Henry Miller: Asleep and Awake 1x35

Filmed when the author was 81, this production is a voyage of ideas about life, writing, sex, spirituality, nightmares and New York that captures the warmth, vigor and high animal spirits of this singular American artist. As natural a talker as he is a writer, Henry Miller provides us with a guided tour and running commentary of his art gallery, which happens to be in his bathroom. This diverse and personal collection, a microcosm of Miller’s world, includes photographs of old friends and admired figures—the French writer Blaise Cendrars, Hieronymous Bosch, Hermann Hesse, Gurdjieff, a drawing of Neuschwanstein Castle, a Gauguin, Buddhas, newspaper clippings, and a snapshot of New York. Each item elicits anecdote, wit, and comments on friendship, love, literature, Oriental philosophy and Miller’s own delightful and vigorous view of the world.

“… another highly enjoyable visit with this scribacious person” — The New York Times

“A gem of reminiscence” — Lawrence Durell

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