The title of Howl refers to the classic Allen Ginsberg poem of the same name; a lengthy, rambling work that is considered one of the definitive works of the Beat Generation. The poem was hugely controversial in its time (it was first revealed in 1957) due to its use of profanity and its sexually explicit content, and was the subject of an obscenity trial, which it eventually won.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is that, in telling this story, it generally avoids both standard biopic and trial-pic conventions. It’s mostly made up of three components: alternating between Ginsberg being interviewed, scenes from the trial (in which Ginsberg himself is absent), and excerpts from the poem itself. In the excellent trial sequences, Mad Men fans will be pleased to see Jon Hamm appear as a defence lawyer, a character that doesn’t stretch him too far beyond his Don Draper persona.
The excerpts from the poem, meanwhile, read by Franco, are embellished with surreal CGI animations, which bear an unfortunate resemblance to Microsoft Word Clip Art, threatening to cheapen the experience. Luckily, Franco’s delivery and the swooning music on the soundtrack convey real depths of feeling, which compensate for this.
The main reason to watch the film, finally, is James Franco. Yes, it’s another self-conscious foray into slightly offbeat literary territory for the actor, who doesn’t really have much left to prove in terms of range. However he delivers an effortlessly touching performance that suggests he could go on to do far better things than fellow mainstream ‘weirdos’ like Johnny Depp.
Your opinion on the artistic merit of the Beat Generation will likely affect your enjoyment of the film to some degree – if you’re not a Ginsberg fan, the long stretches of poetry may become tiresome rather quickly. However, there’s no denying the poem’s cultural and historical importance, and this is something the film conveys very convincingly and engagingly. Special features include a solid making-of, and best of all an entertaining and informative commentary from the loveable Franco and directors Epstein and Friedman.
Overall Verdict: A wonderful look back at one of the most important and influential poems of the twentieth century.
Special Features:
Audio commentary with Howl directors and James Franco
Making of Howl
‘Notes On A Scandal’
Reviewer: Tom René