"Henry & June," a 1990 American biographical drama, holds a unique place in cinematic history not just for its narrative, but for its groundbreaking role in film classification. Directed by Philip Kaufman and starring Fred Ward, Uma Thurman, and Maria de Medeiros, the film is loosely based on Anaïs Nin's posthumously published book of the same name. While it garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography, its most significant legacy
stems from being the very first film to receive the NC-17 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
The Genesis of the NC-17 Rating
The NC-17 rating was specifically devised as a replacement for the controversial X rating. The X rating, while originally intended for adult-oriented films, had become largely associated with pornography, making it difficult for serious, non-pornographic films with mature content to find mainstream distribution and acceptance. The MPAA's intention with NC-17 was to create a category that would clearly signify films with more violence or, particularly, sexual content than would qualify for an R rating, yet distinguish them from explicit pornography.
"Henry & June" became the inaugural recipient of this new classification, immediately placing it at the forefront of a debate about artistic freedom and censorship in American cinema. The film's content, which explores the complex and often explicit relationships between Anaïs Nin, Henry Miller, and his wife June, pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for a widely distributed film at the time. This new rating aimed to provide a clearer guideline for audiences and distributors, indicating that the film was strictly for adults, but without the stigma of the X rating.
Content and Controversy
Several specific elements within "Henry & June" contributed to its NC-17 designation. One notable inclusion was a postcard viewed by Anaïs Nin at the beginning of the film, depicting Hokusai's famous artwork, "The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife." This image, known for its explicit nature, along with certain scenes from "le Bal des Beaux Arts," were cited as factors in the rating decision. These elements, while integral to the film's artistic vision and its portrayal of bohemian Paris in the 1930s, were deemed too explicit for an R rating.
The film's critical reception was mixed, with some critics acknowledging its artistic ambition while others found it somewhat stilted despite the ratings brouhaha. Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly, for instance, gave the film a B- and noted that, despite the controversy, he felt it was "not very sexy." Janet Maslin of The New York Times observed the film's efforts to present sex in an artistic, highbrow manner, highlighting the delicate cinematography and intense direction of the sex scenes, often tinged with symbolism. However, she also felt the film lacked true daring, suggesting that the artistic approach might have inadvertently diluted its impact.
Legacy of the NC-17 Rating
Despite the mixed critical reviews, the NC-17 rating for "Henry & June" marked a significant moment in the history of film ratings. It established a new category that, in theory, allowed filmmakers to explore adult themes and explicit content without being relegated to the adult film industry. The film's box office performance, grossing over $11.5 million domestically, demonstrated that there was an audience for such films, even with the restrictive rating. The NC-17 rating aimed to provide a more nuanced approach to classifying films, acknowledging that mature content could exist within a serious artistic context. The film's role as the first to bear this rating cemented its place in discussions about film censorship, artistic expression, and the evolving standards of public decency in media.
