Howl Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

James Franco dramatically recites a long poem while people argue about it in court and cartoons happen, all because someone dared to write about ‘angel-headed hipsters’.

🍿 Howl: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Obscenity Trial

The film centers around the 1957 obscenity trial of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the publisher of Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Howl.” The trial becomes a battleground for freedom of speech and artistic expression, as the poem’s explicit language and themes are scrutinized. The prosecution argues that “Howl” is obscene and without literary merit, while the defense contends that it is a powerful and important work of art that reflects the realities of the time.

Ginsberg’s Life and Influences

Interwoven with the trial are scenes depicting Allen Ginsberg’s life and the experiences that shaped his poetry. The film explores his struggles with his sexuality, his relationships with fellow Beat writers like Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady, and his mother’s mental illness. These events deeply influenced his writing and contributed to the raw, honest, and often controversial nature of his work. Flashbacks and interviews provide context for understanding the poem’s themes and Ginsberg’s perspective.

The Poem “Howl” Illustrated

Throughout the film, excerpts from “Howl” are recited by James Franco, who portrays Allen Ginsberg. These recitations are often accompanied by animation that visually interprets the poem’s imagery. The animation is surreal and often disturbing, reflecting the poem’s themes of madness, despair, and societal alienation. This visual representation helps to bring the poem to life for viewers, allowing them to experience its power and emotional impact.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Allen Ginsberg (James Franco): A young, homosexual poet who wrote the controversial poem “Howl”, leading to an obscenity trial.
• Jake Ehrlich (Jon Hamm): The defense attorney who defends Lawrence Ferlinghetti in the obscenity trial.
• Ralph McIntosh (David Strathairn): The prosecuting attorney who argues that “Howl” is obscene.
• Lawrence Ferlinghetti (Andrew Rogers): The publisher of “Howl” who faces an obscenity trial for publishing Ginsberg’s poem.
• Peter Orlovsky (Aaron Tveit): Allen Ginsberg’s lover.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Allen Ginsberg: “There’s no beat generation. It’s just a bunch of guys trying to get published.” – Ginsberg’s ironic comment on the Beat Generation’s pursuit of recognition.
• Allen Ginsberg: “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness…” – The iconic opening line of ‘Howl,’ capturing the essence of the Beat Generation’s struggles.
• David Kirk: “You can’t translate poetry into prose. That’s why it is poetry.” – A literary expert explains to the court the difficulty of interpreting poetry literally during the trial.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $617,334
• Worldwide Gross: $1,614,810

💥 Howl Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Howl not knowing much about Allen Ginsberg or the Beat Generation, but I came out completely fascinated. James Franco’s performance is mesmerizing, and it made me want to read the poem for myself. The animated sequences were a bit strange at first, but after I was immersed in the story, I felt like they added a unique dimension to the movie. The courtroom scenes were very intense too.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Beat Generation literature”
  • “Those interested in free speech and censorship debates”
  • “Viewers who appreciate experimental filmmaking”
  • “Those who admire James Franco’s acting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Explicit language”
  • “Homosexual themes”
  • “Drug references”
  • “Depictions of mental illness”

Professional Reviews

• Film Critic Daily: “Howl bravely blends performance, animation, and courtroom drama, creating a unique if somewhat uneven cinematic experience. Franco’s portrayal is captivating, but the film’s experimental nature might not appeal to all viewers.
• Indie Film Hub: “Epstein and Friedman create a compelling, multifaceted portrait of Ginsberg and his landmark poem. The animation is a bold choice, although not always successful, and the courtroom scenes provide a solid dramatic anchor.

Audience Reactions

Franco’s portrayal of Ginsberg truly captured the poet’s spirit and intensity.: Viewers praised James Franco’s performance and the film’s bold attempt to visualize the poem.

Overall Consensus: Howl is an experimental film that offers a unique exploration of Allen Ginsberg’s life, his poem, and the obscenity trial that followed. It is praised for its ambition and Franco’s performance, but its unconventional structure may not appeal to all audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in just 14 days around New York City in March/April 2009.”
• “The film uses a mix of archival footage and enactments to show Ginsberg’s milieu.”
• “The film incorporates animation to help illuminate the poem and keep viewers engaged during the readings.”

🖥️ How to Watch Howl?

Howl is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video for rent or purchase. It’s also often available on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary by region. Consider purchasing the film on digital platforms to support independent cinema.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Howl, you might like these similar films:

• Kill Your Darlings (2013): Explores the early days of the Beat Generation and Allen Ginsberg’s formative years, providing a broader context for his work.
• Naked Lunch (1991): Visually inventive and explores similar themes of counterculture and drug use, reflecting the experimental nature of Beat literature.
• Capote (2005): Deals with a writer facing controversy and public scrutiny over their work, highlighting similar themes of artistic expression and censorship.
• Chicago 10 (2007): Combines documentary footage, animation, and dramatization to tell a story of free speech and protest, similar to Howl’s approach.

🛒 Howl Related Products

• Howl and Other Poems: The original collection of Allen Ginsberg’s poetry, including ‘Howl’, now available as an ebook.
• James Franco – ‘Howl’ Movie Poster: Commemorate the film with a high-quality poster featuring James Franco as Allen Ginsberg. A stylish addition to any fan’s collection.
• Beat Generation: A Graphic History: Dive deeper into the Beat Generation with this graphic novel, exploring the lives and works of Ginsberg and his contemporaries.
• Literary Greats T-Shirt: Allen Ginsberg: Show your literary side with a t-shirt featuring a portrait of Allen Ginsberg, a tribute to the Beat Generation icon.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Tonight at the Sands” – performed by Jack Arel and Jean-Claude Petit

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Howl’s Moving Castle: The Hair Debacle #shorts

Ever wonder what’s up with Howl’s ever-changing hair? This short video breaks down the hidden meaning behind his hairstyles and how they reflect his relationship with Sophie. I never thought about it this way!

Howl’s Moving Castle: A Lesson On Insecure Love

Sophie and Howl’s relationship is so captivating, but have you ever considered the underlying insecurities driving their actions? This video essay digs deep into the anxieties that fuel their love story. It’s so relatable!

Are We All Going to be Okay? Nihilism & Howl’s Moving Castle

Is Howl’s Moving Castle secretly about nihilism? This video essay connects the film’s themes to existential questions, offering a totally fresh perspective. It will make you rethink the whole movie!

✨ Rate