Huxley on Huxley

Huxley on Huxley is an enlightening and poignant documentary from 2009, directed by Mary Ann Braubach and featuring meaningful contributions from notable figures such as Don Bachardy, Peter Coyote, and Walter Cronkite. The film offers a captivating exploration of the life and thought of one of the most significant intellectuals of the 20th century, Aldous Huxley.

The documentary uses a variety of techniques to build a comprehensive portrait of the British author's life story and philosophical views, including in-depth interviews, analyses of major literary works, archival video footage, and more. What emerges is not only an examination of Huxley's personal journey but a meditation on the social and cultural atmosphere of his era.

Notable artist Don Bachardy, who became a close confidant of the Huxleys in their last years, contributes intimate insights into their lives. Bachardy provides a firsthand account of Huxley's character, his relationship with his wife Laura, and the impact of his philosophies on those around him. The artist’s personal narratives, recollections, and insights at times bring a wonderfully intimate perspective that complements the broader analysis provided by the film.

Narrator and actor Peter Coyote, known for his exceptional documentary narrative work, guides the viewer through Huxley's thought-provoking views on society, religion, science, and art. Coyote gives voice to the author’s words with a depth and subtlety that breathe life to complex ideas, making them accessible to a broad audience.

The late Walter Cronkite, a revered broadcast journalist and fixture in American homes for decades, is also featured, providing an authoritative voice that adds gravitas to the film. His involvement enhances the historical perspective of the documentary, adding to its richness.

Huxley on Huxley delves into multiple aspects of Aldous Huxley's life, from his early years in England, through his move to the United States, and finally his last years. It looks at his relationships, including his lifelong romantic alliance with Laura Huxley, who also appears in the film providing additional personal context.

The film also offers a comprehensive exploration of Huxley's works, including his paradigm-shifting novel "Brave New World," wherein he envisioned a dystopian society that feels eerily prophetic in the light of today's technology-driven reality. The documentary also explores Huxley's enduring interest in mysticism and the explorations of human consciousness, reflecting on his controversial experiments with psychedelics as detailed in "The Doors of Perception."

One underlying theme of the documentary is Huxley's ongoing search for spiritual awakening. Throughout his life, he was fascinated by the potentials of human consciousness and sought different methods to tap into that potential, be that through literature, philosophy, or his controversial investigation of psychedelic substances. The film explores this aspect, presenting a portrait of a deeply thoughtful individual constantly seeking to comprehend the world around him and the experiences within him.

In addition, the film addresses Huxley's influence over the counterculture of the 1960s. His works became a significant inspiration for the likes of Jim Morrison and The Doors, as well as various other figures in pop culture and academia.

Throughout the film, Huxley's penetrating outlook on society's structures and values and his vision of humanity's potential to ascend beyond its self-imposed limitations are given plenty of space to shine. Ultimately, 'Huxley on Huxley' is not just a biography of a great intellectual or an exploration of his writings – it's a conversation with his ideas, one that continues to resonate with and challenge modern audiences.

In conclusion, 'Huxley on Huxley' is an essential watch for those fascinated by Aldous Huxley, one of the most prominent and influential intellectuals of the 20th century. Just as his philosophical and literary works continue to inspire discussion and debate, this thoughtful and engaging documentary is certain to provoke further exploration and thought among its viewers.