Review of Howl (2010) by Sean D — 12 Mar 2011
This docudrama stars James Franco as poet Allen Ginsberg, whose acclaimed piece of work (and one of most well known poems of the 20th century) is the film's centre piece.
The film is a mix of four pieces - a reading of the poem by Ginsberg to a room of enthusiastic listeners, animated clips, an interview with the poet and the infamous 1957court case to ban the poem.
Franco puts in a credible performance as Ginsberg and the poem is brought to life by some imaginative visuals. There is little dramatic tension in the trial scenes which stars David Strathairn as Ralph MacIntosh prosecuting Ginsberg's publisher for obscenity - San Francisco City Lights and Jon Hamm as defense attorney Jake Ehrlich who argues for free freedom of speech and expression. And the cinematography is chaotic jumping from poem reading, to interview, to animation to court case.
Fans of Ginsberg work and 'art films' may very well enjoy this movie but it is unlikely to appeal to a wider audience.
This review of Howl (2010) was written by Sean D on 12 Mar 2011.
Howl has generally received positive reviews.
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