Howl (2010)
If you’re renting this Allen Ginsberg biopic, you probably know what you’re getting into. This is a movie surrounding the controversy on his poem “Howl” and the subsequent court case as to whether or not it was indecent and obscene. And, if you’re renting this movie, it’s more likely than not you’re either a fan of Ginsberg or of the First Amendment. If you’re not in favor of either, do yourself a favor and rent something else this weekend. This is a movie celebrating Ginsberg and his work, and the entire titular poem is read aloud and set to animated sequences, split up throughout the movie.
If you’re wondering which Ginsberg movie to rent, Howl or Kill Your Darlings, I’d have to side in favor of the earlier version. This film has such a distinctive, documentary style that it feels like you’re getting to know the poet rather than seeing him as one of many characters involved in a murder case. Howl is his movie, and it’s all about him. There are no buffers to distract you that you’re seeing an almost-documentary littered with real photos, footage, and writings. Yes, there are cuts back and forth to the courtroom battle, with David Strathairn, Bob Balaban, Jon Hamm, Mary Louise Parker, Jeff Daniels, and Treat Williams, but even those sections are clearly dramatic reenactments of courtroom transcripts. You’ve got to know what you’re getting into when you decide to rent this docu-drama, but if that’s what you’re in the mood for, you’ll be in for an artistic treat.
The real star of the show is James Franco who once again completely transforms himself for the role. I can only imagine how much research and practicing he did to prepare, since I’ve read of his dedication to other roles. It’s not the beard or the glasses that make you forget you’re watching the same actor in Spiderman, or that you’re even watching an actor at all: it’s his voice, speech patterns, mannerisms, and facial expressions. You feel like you understand his entire childhood just by looking at his eyes and hearing him talk for five minutes. Listen to the real Allen Ginsberg online or watch one of his poetry recitations; just thirty seconds will give you an entirely new appreciation for Franco’s performance.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. There are several animated sequences, and the quick, swirling movements will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to language, I wouldn’t let my kids watch it.
More James Franco movies here!
If you’re wondering which Ginsberg movie to rent, Howl or Kill Your Darlings, I’d have to side in favor of the earlier version. This film has such a distinctive, documentary style that it feels like you’re getting to know the poet rather than seeing him as one of many characters involved in a murder case. Howl is his movie, and it’s all about him. There are no buffers to distract you that you’re seeing an almost-documentary littered with real photos, footage, and writings. Yes, there are cuts back and forth to the courtroom battle, with David Strathairn, Bob Balaban, Jon Hamm, Mary Louise Parker, Jeff Daniels, and Treat Williams, but even those sections are clearly dramatic reenactments of courtroom transcripts. You’ve got to know what you’re getting into when you decide to rent this docu-drama, but if that’s what you’re in the mood for, you’ll be in for an artistic treat.
The real star of the show is James Franco who once again completely transforms himself for the role. I can only imagine how much research and practicing he did to prepare, since I’ve read of his dedication to other roles. It’s not the beard or the glasses that make you forget you’re watching the same actor in Spiderman, or that you’re even watching an actor at all: it’s his voice, speech patterns, mannerisms, and facial expressions. You feel like you understand his entire childhood just by looking at his eyes and hearing him talk for five minutes. Listen to the real Allen Ginsberg online or watch one of his poetry recitations; just thirty seconds will give you an entirely new appreciation for Franco’s performance.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. There are several animated sequences, and the quick, swirling movements will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to language, I wouldn’t let my kids watch it.
More James Franco movies here!