Howl Film Reviews
On this page, I will have a couple reviews of the film, Howl, including my own. Of course, there are myriads of reviews on Howl, but I wanted to stick with credible reviewers. I will include links to the full reviews under the "Sources" tab.
My Review
As mentioned, I chose this film because I love James Franco. After watching the film, I was entranced by Allen Ginsberg, his life and "Howl". Before this film, I didn't even know who Ginsberg was, let alone everything he faced and all the amazing things he accomplished in his life. My initial plan for my topic, "Beats in Film" was to watch at least two films featuring beats, but after Howl, my focus stayed. Franco's portrayal is real - his pain and joy are palpable. The acting for the film is top-notch, and I love that the film stays true to the facts. This is the first creative biographical film I have ever seen, and I appreciate that. Instead of a straight forward film about a trial, this film weaves together the trial, the poem and Ginsberg's life. This film gave an actual picture of the Beats and the types of relationships they shared with each other; it gave me new clarity. The best thing about this film is the reading of "Howl" from Six Gallery recited throughout the film - it's unique and combines literature and history. If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend it. Even if you aren't crazy about Ginsberg or his poetry, this film centers on censorship, something that personally makes my blood boil as a teacher, English student and American. Do yourself a favor - give this film a watch, you'll be happy you did.
My Review
As mentioned, I chose this film because I love James Franco. After watching the film, I was entranced by Allen Ginsberg, his life and "Howl". Before this film, I didn't even know who Ginsberg was, let alone everything he faced and all the amazing things he accomplished in his life. My initial plan for my topic, "Beats in Film" was to watch at least two films featuring beats, but after Howl, my focus stayed. Franco's portrayal is real - his pain and joy are palpable. The acting for the film is top-notch, and I love that the film stays true to the facts. This is the first creative biographical film I have ever seen, and I appreciate that. Instead of a straight forward film about a trial, this film weaves together the trial, the poem and Ginsberg's life. This film gave an actual picture of the Beats and the types of relationships they shared with each other; it gave me new clarity. The best thing about this film is the reading of "Howl" from Six Gallery recited throughout the film - it's unique and combines literature and history. If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend it. Even if you aren't crazy about Ginsberg or his poetry, this film centers on censorship, something that personally makes my blood boil as a teacher, English student and American. Do yourself a favor - give this film a watch, you'll be happy you did.
Roger Ebert
For movie reviews, I always enjoy reading what Ebert has to say. Although our opinions typically differ, we are eye-to-eye with Howl. Ebert gives the film three stars - he is one critical reviewer, so I say this is fair from him, even though I'd give the film four stars. The only thing that bothers me about this review if he never explains why the film lost a star. He states that "the film evokes the first tender birth of that new age," and he goes on to reminisce about Ginsberg and the time of the Beats - even recalling seeing Ginsberg once in person. He says Franco portrays Ginsberg with "restraint and care," but doesn't mention other performances in the film. Like me, he does not care for the animation - that seems to be common amongst most reviewers.
For movie reviews, I always enjoy reading what Ebert has to say. Although our opinions typically differ, we are eye-to-eye with Howl. Ebert gives the film three stars - he is one critical reviewer, so I say this is fair from him, even though I'd give the film four stars. The only thing that bothers me about this review if he never explains why the film lost a star. He states that "the film evokes the first tender birth of that new age," and he goes on to reminisce about Ginsberg and the time of the Beats - even recalling seeing Ginsberg once in person. He says Franco portrays Ginsberg with "restraint and care," but doesn't mention other performances in the film. Like me, he does not care for the animation - that seems to be common amongst most reviewers.
A.O. Scott
A.O. Scott is a film critic from the New York Times - when looking for film reviews, I always check the New York Times in addition to Ebert. Scott gushes about Howl. He notes how rare this type of film is and the historical accuracy of the film, noting all of the dialogue from the film coming from court transcripts and interviews. He too, believes the animation of the poem is the films one "misstep," noting the literalness of the interpretation that causes the animation to miss. He praises Franco's performance of Ginsberg, noting his performance during the Six Gallery reading.
A.O. Scott is a film critic from the New York Times - when looking for film reviews, I always check the New York Times in addition to Ebert. Scott gushes about Howl. He notes how rare this type of film is and the historical accuracy of the film, noting all of the dialogue from the film coming from court transcripts and interviews. He too, believes the animation of the poem is the films one "misstep," noting the literalness of the interpretation that causes the animation to miss. He praises Franco's performance of Ginsberg, noting his performance during the Six Gallery reading.