How to Come Alive With Norman Mailer explores the rollercoaster life of Norman Mailer, America’s most controversial and bestselling author of the 20th Century. Propelled by his tremendous ego and contrarian spirit, Mailer’s ceaseless visibility in the public eye lasted six decades, during which time he had six tumultuous marriages, nine beloved children, eleven bestsellers, three arrests, and two Pulitzer Prizes. Alternately revered and reviled as a prophet, hedonist, violent criminal, literary outlaw, and social provocateur, Mailer and his ideas about love, anger, fear, and courage cut to the very core of human nature and resonated deeply with his readers. The first project with full access to Mailer’s family and their archive, the film unearths a treasure trove of intimate and never-before-seen footage, including outtakes, audio recordings, and interviews from throughout his life; Mailer lays himself bare, foibles and all.