For film trivia fans this film was the first film to receive an NC-17 rating. Based on a book by Anaïs Nin, the film chronicles Nin’s relationships with writer Henry Miller and his wife June.
Nin is played by Maria de Medeiros (PULP FICTION) with Miller played by Fred Ward (SHORT CUTS) and Uma Thurman (KILL BILL) playing June. Nin is married to a slightly prudish banker named Hugo Guiler (Richard E. Grant, WITHNAIL & I), who she loves but isn’t excited about. When Miller comes into her life, she is sexually as well as artistically awakened. Miller’s passion for June is his muse for writing TROPIC OF CANCER and Nin soon becomes infatuated with her as well. June is sexy and mysterious, which makes her very intriguing.
Director Philip Kaufman (QUILLS) has often tackled sexuality in his films. In this film, he tells a steamy tale of the enlivening of the spirit through sexual experimentation. Often he uses wonderful imagery to create poetic metaphors for the understanding of sex. The perfect example is the melding of images of Anaïs and Henry making love with Hugo playing the guitar. Kaufman, who also wrote the screenplay, subtly explores the character’s nature, but sometimes focuses too much on the love triangle. He is not afraid to allow Nin’s selfishness to shine through, which is often an asset and a detriment to the film.
The performances are all solid. Kevin Spacey also has a small role as Henry’s paranoid roommate Richard Osborn. As for the NC-17 rating, it’s a mystery. Many R-rated films have far more sex than this one. I think the rating was more for the casual nature of the bed-hopping rather than the explicitness of the material. Though the film does play a bit long, it’s still worth a viewing. It’s a look into a bohemian lifestyle that is turbulent, exciting and dangerous for many reasons. You might not want to follow in the character’s footsteps, but you’ll be fascinated to watch.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
