Watch Huxley on Huxley

Huxley on Huxley is a 2009 documentary that explores the life and work of Aldous Huxley, one of the most prominent writers and intellectuals of the 20th century. The film is structured around an interview that Huxley gave in 1958, shortly before his death, in which he discusses his views on a variety of topics including art, politics, religion, and the human condition.

The documentary is directed by Mary Ann Braubach and features interviews with several notable figures who knew Huxley, including his longtime partner Don Bachardy, author and philosopher Huston Smith, and journalist and news anchor Walter Cronkite. Using archival footage, animated sequences, and readings from Huxley's books, the film provides an engaging and thought-provoking look at his life and ideas.

One of the major themes of the film is Huxley's interest in exploring altered states of consciousness, particularly through the use of psychedelic drugs such as LSD. Huxley believed that these drugs had the potential to unlock new realms of human experience and provide insights into the nature of consciousness and reality. The film explores Huxley's experiences with LSD and his ideas about its potential as a tool for personal and social transformation.

Another key aspect of the film is Huxley's critique of modern society and his ideas about how it could be improved. Huxley was deeply concerned with the impact of technology and consumerism on the human spirit, and he believed that society needed to adopt a more holistic and spiritual approach to life in order to address the problems of alienation and disconnection. The film explores Huxley's ideas about the role of art and religion in creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Throughout the film, Huxley's own words and ideas are brought to life through readings from his books and interviews with those who knew him best. Don Bachardy, Huxley's partner of over 30 years, offers a personal and intimate perspective on Huxley's life and work, while Huston Smith provides a broader philosophical context for Huxley's ideas. Walter Cronkite, whose own career spanned many of the same decades as Huxley's, offers a unique perspective on the impact of Huxley's ideas on contemporary culture.

Overall, Huxley on Huxley is a fascinating and engaging look at one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century. It offers a comprehensive exploration of Huxley's life and ideas, highlighting both his innovative thinking and his enduring relevance to contemporary culture. Through interviews, archival footage, and readings from his own work, the film provides an intimate and thought-provoking portrait of a unique and visionary mind.

Huxley on Huxley is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.