Review of Howl (2010) by Chris K — 08 Jan 2011

Famous for their work as documentary filmmakers, Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman step into a new documenting style with 'Howl'. It is a documentary in the sense that every word spoken in the film is real and used in mostly the same situations that they occured in real life.

It differs, though, in the fact that the parts are being played by actors and the scenes are staged. It has three distinct stories that are all interconnected by one thing... Allen Ginsberg's poem 'Howl'.

Depicted in the film are Ginsberg's life experiences that made up what is written in the poem, people's reaction to his work that landed it in an obscenity trial, and animated sequences that reflect the original and realistic essence of the poem itself.

The principle role of Ginsberg being played so brilliantly by James Franco, this film really brings light to a pivotal moment in history for the right of free speech and expression. Outside of the trial and Ginsberg (Franco) talking about his life and art, the film is mainly a reading of the infamous poem.

I think they were able to do it in such a unique and mind-expanding way. The poem itself is just so raw and truthful to life; Ginsberg describing the world at the time he saw it. And the animation is just phenomenal, and while each person will interpret a poem in a different way, I think this film does a good job at just echoing the words in a visual form.

I loved every minute of it. It was different and dramatic. It had meaning and swift direction. It really shone through that censorship itself is obscene.