Review of Howl (2010) by Kaitlin L — 25 Mar 2013

"Howl" (2010) is a biopic starring James Franco as Allen Ginsberg, an American poet and leading figure of the Beat Generation. The film focuses on his most famous poem, "Howl", including animated illustrations of his poem as it's performed and a dramatization of the obscenity trial it brought on. We also are given insight into Ginsberg's thoughts towards his life and his art through documentary style interviews with Franco as Ginsberg.

I loved the style of this film! Definitely interesting visually. It's set up sort of like a documentary with interviews of Franco as Ginsberg mixed in with "b-roll" of the things and events he talks about. The interview bit is very real looking, both in framing, color and actions within. Then the "b-roll" is in black and white with a younger-looking, beardless Franco. He never speaks in the "b-roll" either. Instead, Franco/Ginsberg's interview audio provides narration for it.

There are also numerous scenes with Franco/Ginsberg presenting "Howl" at a poetry reading. This, too, is black and white with the young and beardless Franco/Ginsberg. Periodically, animated sequences of the poem are spliced in, and again his audio acts as narration. Franco gave an amazing performance throughout the film, but the poetry reading scenes, for me, were brilliant. I was also impressed with the animation, which appeared to be mostly 3D with some hand-drawn or inked animation. Powerful imagery.

There's also a dramatization of the poem's obscenity trial, and it's the only time we're not seeing or hearing Ginsberg. The trial is the most factual, straight-forward part of the film. Visually, these scenes reflect that by being the most plain. The shots, framing, and coloring used are nothing unique or out of the ordinary. But despite the ordinary appearance, the court room scenes are perhaps the most important. It's here that the viewer begins to see and understand the true message of the film. We can also learn where society was at that time and how that affected individuals and artists like Ginsberg.

So the aesthetics of the film are top notch, and the performances are impressive. It's worth watching for that alone. But it can get a bit tiresome at times, especially with the mellow and monotone voice of Franco/Ginsberg. The bulk of the film's audio is Franco/Ginsberg talking, so it could very easily lull the viewer to sleep. Happened to me twice.

Also, the plot itself isn't very compelling. Yes, it is a biopic and drama, which sometimes aren't action-packed or thrilling. But the film lacks a clear through line connecting everything. In the end, the viewer is just watching a couple moments in time play out while also listening to poetry and a man's interpretation and explanation of his life. There's not much keeping the viewer's attention except sheer curiosity.

Summed up, this film is interesting and beautiful with a clear message. But it falls short with the plot.