Review of Howl (2010) by Aaron S — 05 Jan 2011

Very interesting movie that transitions from live performance to animation to interview to courtroom. Part documentary, part biography, part courtroom drama. This movie has it all. It is also very informative and educational. Having not been versed in Allen Ginsberg, I really enjoyed the journey through the oddity that is Howl.

Franco gives a very honest performance, almost a precursor to his nomination steamroll in 127 Hours, he captures every essence of the character, and narrates provocatively, the words of the poem recreating its beauty and absurdity. John Hamm makes for a great defense lawyer in another great movie role boding well for a Post-Mad Men career. This movie pays homage to a misunderstood and outspoken poet I hadn't been familiar with until this film, and for me to walk away from it feeling better having watched it makes it a good one. Check it out.