Howl, the monumental poem by beat generation leading figure Allen Ginsberg changed the way an entire generation thought about themselves in the context of their post-second-world-war capitalistic American society. It channelled Ginsberg's sentiments of sexual and spiritual freedom, including his own bisexuality, and was even the subject of an obscenity trial in 1957. It was first read aloud, to much support, at an experimental art gallery in San Francisco, an event that was only ever truly documented in fellow beat poet Jack Kerouac's novel The Dharma Bums. And now it is also a film.
It seems that in this movie, all of these elements have been laced together into a continuing narrative of sorts, complimented by a psychadelic-animated aesthetic, an artistic choice made by directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. These elements will no doubt ensure that Howl is different from the conventional biopic. It's the sort of cinematic experimentation demanded of adaptations of literature from this era, much like David Cronenberg's film version of William S. Burrough's Naked Lunch. That film found itself divided among critics but it still managed to find an audience and a cult following. I believe Howl will find itself in a similar position. It was screened opening night at the Sundance film festival and has already received it's share of reviews, some glowing, others negative.
From what I've seen so far (the trailer) and from what I know of Ginsberg and his works, Howl included, this film looks like an interesting and engaging adaptation of one of the most influential literary works of the twentieth century. It may not be for everyone, but neither is the work it is based on. At the least it can inspire a renewed interest in a truly fascinating poet. Another definite draw of this movie will, and should be, James Franco's near perfect embodiment of Ginsberg. Over the past few years, Franco has asserted himself as the go-to-guy for true-to-life representations of people in movies. From what I have seen in the trailer (which alludes to recreated interview footage), his performance is right on when held in comparison with actual footage of Ginsberg himself (readily available on the internet and featured in documentaries such as Nothing More To Say and Nothing To Weep For)
Whether you are a personal fan of Ginsberg and beat literature, or you simply enjoy a good story, Howl seems a promising way to spend a night out at the movies.
Howl plays tonight, September 28th, at the Plaza cinema in Kensington. Tickets are available online, at the door, or at the festival headquarters situated in Eau Claire Market.
