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The Henry Knudsen Archives
If a man makes a film and nobody is there to see it… will they at least read a book about it?
The film director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu once said, “Filmmaking can give you everything, it can also take everything from you.” In Henry Knudsen’s case this is only half true, but whatever he has left he offers here. Henry is an independent filmmaker who provides fascinating insight into the medium of cinema as a true Hollywood outsider (despite actually being based in Kent). For decades he has been making films without interest from – and sometimes against the express wishes of – studios, executives and audiences.
This book brings together anecdotes, interviews, script extracts and behind-the-scenes photographs, alongside often scathing notes from producers, collaborators and colleagues. (Full the publishers insisted on hiring a co-writer after receiving Henry’s first draft.).
Students of film may find his insights invaluable (despite what you may read about him on ratemyprofessors.com). All he asks is that you consider his words carefully.
The film director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu once said, “Filmmaking can give you everything, it can also take everything from you.” In Henry Knudsen’s case this is only half true, but whatever he has left he offers here. Henry is an independent filmmaker who provides fascinating insight into the medium of cinema as a true Hollywood outsider (despite actually being based in Kent). For decades he has been making films without interest from – and sometimes against the express wishes of – studios, executives and audiences.
This book brings together anecdotes, interviews, script extracts and behind-the-scenes photographs, alongside often scathing notes from producers, collaborators and colleagues. (Full the publishers insisted on hiring a co-writer after receiving Henry’s first draft.).
Students of film may find his insights invaluable (despite what you may read about him on ratemyprofessors.com). All he asks is that you consider his words carefully.
266 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 27, 2026
The second book from Luke Richards (after his brilliantly surreal sci-fi comedy Dave's New World) takes a deep dive into the world of film, following the fortunes (or lack of, even) of independent filmmaker Henry Knudsen - whose grand ambitions as a director never quite come to fruition despite his best efforts. Written from the point of view of the man himself, Henry is a truly memorable creation - on the one hand deluded, arrogant and a little too confident of his own abilities, on the other bitter that his life hasn't turned out the way he wanted it. Meanwhile Richards, as so-called 'co-writer', frequently interjects to stop Knudsen's rants from increasingly spiralling out of control. Packed with plenty of laugh-out-loud gags and moments of pathos in between the chaos, this is a must-read for anyone who's ever tried - or failed - to make a movie. Hugely recommended.
September 11, 2026
A hilarious, clever, and completely addictive read!
The Henry Knudsen Archives had me laughing out loud from start to finish. The memoir with “co-writer” interruptions and footnotes format is brilliant, all of it adds to the chaos in the best way. Henry is ridiculous, endearing, and impossible not to root for.
It’s sharp, funny, and never once feels forced. I tore through it and loved every minute. Trust me, you’ll love this book!
The Henry Knudsen Archives had me laughing out loud from start to finish. The memoir with “co-writer” interruptions and footnotes format is brilliant, all of it adds to the chaos in the best way. Henry is ridiculous, endearing, and impossible not to root for.
It’s sharp, funny, and never once feels forced. I tore through it and loved every minute. Trust me, you’ll love this book!
October 3, 2026
A fun read. Like getting to read those books by the worst people around to see how delusional they really are without actually having to support them lol
There was one part that seemed wildly out of place though, tonally and came out of no where, and then that darker tone was never touched on again? The interview where he talks about fliming in the mourge.
Otherwise, a fun read!
There was one part that seemed wildly out of place though, tonally and came out of no where, and then that darker tone was never touched on again? The interview where he talks about fliming in the mourge.
Otherwise, a fun read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews