STORYLINE: Norman Mailer, a towering figure in American literature, had a life that was certainly stranger than fiction. From his formative years in Brooklyn, through his career as a preeminent cultural voice, we follow Mailer’s life through 6 marriages, 9 children, 11 bestselling books and 2 Pulitzer Prizes as he solidifies his place in the literary pantheon. With access to Mailer’s family and never before seen footage, this biography details the life and times of an American icon. (IMDb)

     Documentaries with artists as their subject matter are have to balance a thin line. That line is to go beywerm a fluff piece of their work amd their life. 

    Coming Alive with Norman Miller started strong as a love letter to the authors work.  The documentary lost my attention pretty quickly. However, the film grabbed my attention as it switched gears by doing a 180, and focusing on the subject as person. The documentary was brutally honest.  In that regard it held it held my attention. As it strayed into fandom of Norman Mil,et’s writing it lost my attention again. Thus is the way of a film about an author though. 

    I enjoyed watching archival clips of Normal Miller.  I enjoyed seeing him being unapologetic as who he was, a trait that is rare in today”# main stream celebrities. This carried over into the self indulgence into his work.  

    The combined aspects made for a mediocre documentary, which is a shame because I see so few documataries on a given year. 

   Until next time I will see you at the movies!