Review of Howl (2010) by Marla N — 14 Apr 2011
I actually had to watch this for my Am. Poetry class..but before then I had no idea this movie even existed. I'm a fan of James Franco, for sure. He has so much talent..it's unreal. I hate that I hadn't heard of this movie until now, b/c it's def.
mind-blowing & worth the watch. Franco is PERFECT as Allen Ginsberg & he does a awesome reading of his poem, "Howl". <=Which is def. not easy to read..or understand, for that matter.
I have to admit, I understand "Howl" so much better after watching this film. I loved the combo of black & white film, color, & animation. The animation was def. the best part..it was just, beautiful & tragic all at the same time.
The film kinda goes in 3 directions: Some background on Ginsberg's life, the trail about "Howl" being too 'vulgar' for the public, & Ginberg's reading of "Howl" in a small pub.
There are def. some slow parts in the film..& some rather awkward "TMI" moments..BUT overall, it's a rather beautiful film & Franco is just wonderful. It's def. not for someone who isn't a fan of poetry OR has a problem w/ gay men (Ginsberg was opening homosexual & expressed it greatly in his works).
It does make "Howl" [the poem] come to life in a quite unforgettable way.
This review of Howl (2010) was written by Marla N on 14 Apr 2011.
Howl has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
