Kill Your Darlings Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Harry Potter goes to college, gets a crush on a bad boy, and accidentally invents the hipster movement while a murder happens.

🍿 Kill Your Darlings: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Allen Ginsberg’s Arrival at Columbia

In 1944, Allen Ginsberg, a young man from New Jersey, begins his studies at Columbia University. He is initially overwhelmed by the school’s traditional atmosphere, a stark contrast to his troubled home life with a mentally ill mother and a stern poet father. Ginsberg seeks to find his own voice and purpose amidst the rigid academic environment.

The Influence of Lucien Carr

Ginsberg’s life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Lucien Carr, a charismatic and rebellious student who challenges the established norms. Carr introduces Ginsberg to a circle of like-minded individuals, including William S. Burroughs and Jack Kerouac. Together, they form a group that explores unconventional literary ideas and lifestyles, pushing the boundaries of creativity and social acceptance.

A Dark Turn: Love and Murder

The group’s pursuit of artistic freedom and self-discovery leads them down a dangerous path. A complex love triangle emerges involving Lucien Carr, Allen Ginsberg, and David Kammerer, an older man obsessed with Carr. This volatile situation culminates in Kammerer’s murder, plunging the young poets into a web of deceit, legal troubles, and moral dilemmas.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe): A young, impressionable Columbia University student who becomes a key figure in the Beat Generation.
• Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan): A charismatic and rebellious student who influences Ginsberg and is at the center of a tragic love triangle.
• David Kammerer (Michael C. Hall): An older, obsessive figure whose infatuation with Lucien Carr leads to a violent confrontation.
• William Burroughs (Ben Foster): An experimental and eccentric writer who becomes part of the Beat Generation circle.
• Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston): A budding writer and friend of Carr who contributes to the formation of the Beat Generation.
• Louis Ginsberg (David Cross): Allen’s father, a poet whose more traditional style contrasts with Allen’s emerging Beat sensibilities.
• Naomi Ginsberg (Jennifer Jason Leigh): Allen’s mentally unstable mother whose struggles deeply affect his life and worldview.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Allen Ginsberg: “Some things, once you’ve loved them, become yours forever. And if you try to let them go… They only circle back and return to you. They become part of who you are…” – Ginsberg expresses the lasting impact of love and experience, hinting at themes of attachment and identity.
• Lucien Carr: “…or they destroy you.” – Carr’s dark response to Ginsberg’s romantic musing foreshadows the destructive nature of obsession and relationships.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5 million
• Domestic Gross: $1,030,064
• Worldwide Gross: $1,877,924

💥 Kill Your Darlings Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched this movie because I’m a sucker for anything with Daniel Radcliffe, but it was so much more than just eye candy! The whole vibe of the film, the way they portrayed the Beat Generation, was captivating. I especially loved the scenes where they were messing around with poetry and jazz – it felt so raw and real. The ending was a total gut punch, though. I was not expecting that! Definitely recommend if you’re into dark dramas and literary history. This changed how I saw Daniel Radcliffe as an actor, and the movie as a whole made me feel something. It was a rollercoaster of emotions.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of biographical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in the Beat Generation”
  • “Those who enjoy stories about artists and writers”
  • “Daniel Radcliffe fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New Yorker: “Krokidas captures the electrifying energy of the Beat Generation’s genesis, showcasing the raw talent and destructive impulses of Ginsberg, Kerouac, and Burroughs. Radcliffe delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance, shedding his ‘Potter’ persona effectively.
• Variety: “A stylish and provocative exploration of youthful rebellion and artistic awakening. DeHaan’s performance as Lucien Carr is magnetic, drawing the audience into the chaotic world of the Beat poets. Krokidas’s direction is bold, creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged film.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Kill Your Darlings is a well-acted and intriguing glimpse into the early lives of literary icons. Radcliffe proves his versatility, while Foster and Hall provide memorable supporting performances. The film’s exploration of sexuality and artistic freedom is both timely and thought-provoking.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Radcliffe and DeHaan was electric; they nailed the complex relationship between Ginsberg and Carr.: Viewers praised the intense and captivating performances of the lead actors, particularly Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan.

The film perfectly captures the rebellious spirit and intellectual energy of the Beat Generation’s early days.: Many enjoyed the film’s authentic portrayal of the Beat Generation’s culture, music, and literary ambitions.

Overall Consensus: Kill Your Darlings is a well-acted and visually striking portrayal of the Beat Generation’s early years, with strong performances and a compelling story of rebellion and artistic awakening. However, its dark themes and explicit content may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Daniel Radcliffe secured the role of Allen Ginsberg in 2008 while performing in ‘Equus’ on Broadway, but scheduling conflicts with the final ‘Harry Potter’ films and financing issues delayed the project for several years.”
• “To prepare for their roles, the actors studied the works and biographies of the Beat Generation writers, immersing themselves in their lives and philosophies.”
• “The film’s title, ‘Kill Your Darlings,’ refers to the writing advice to eliminate cherished but unnecessary elements to improve the overall work.”

🖥️ How to Watch Kill Your Darlings?

Kill Your Darlings is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability. Subscription services may offer the film periodically, so keep an eye on platforms like Hulu or Netflix.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Kill Your Darlings, you might like these similar films:

• Howl (2010): Directly explores Allen Ginsberg’s iconic poem and the obscenity trial that followed, offering a deeper look into his artistic and social impact.
• On the Road (2012): Captures the spirit of the Beat Generation through Jack Kerouac’s semi-autobiographical novel, showcasing their lifestyle and search for meaning.
• The Motorcycle Diaries (2004): A coming-of-age journey that explores themes of identity, rebellion, and social consciousness, similar to the Beat Generation’s quest for a new vision.
• Capote (2005): Explores the life of a famous writer and his intense involvement in a criminal case, echoing the blend of literary ambition and dark events in ‘Kill Your Darlings’.

🛒 Kill Your Darlings Related Products

• Howl and Other Poems: The iconic collection of poetry by Allen Ginsberg, essential reading for understanding the Beat Generation.
• On the Road: Jack Kerouac’s seminal novel, a cornerstone of Beat literature, captures the restless spirit of the era.
• Naked Lunch: William S. Burroughs’s groundbreaking and controversial novel, known for its experimental style and dark themes.
• Beat Generation: A Collection: A collection of works from various Beat Generation authors like Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and Jack Kerouac.

🎧 Soundtrack

Kill Your Darlings features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Lilli Marlene” – performed by Anne Shelton, Stanley Black and his Orchestra
• “Brahms: Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8” – performed by Various Artists
• “I Only Have Eyes For You” – performed by The Flamingos

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan on kissing and ‘Kill Your Darlings’

Ever wondered what it’s like to film *that* kiss? Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan spill the tea about their most memorable on-screen smooch in ‘Kill Your Darlings’! Honestly, their chemistry is undeniable, you have to watch it.

The Philosophy of the Beat Generation.

Want to understand the real meaning behind ‘Kill Your Darlings’? This video breaks down the philosophy of the Beat Generation and it’s actually really fascinating, it is an important background for the movie!

Koreans React To LGBT Love Scenes In U.S. Movies

Interested in seeing how different cultures react to LGBT love scenes? This video shows Koreans reacting to scenes from ‘Kill Your Darlings’ and other movies. Their reactions are pretty insightful and thought-provoking!

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