Howl (2010)

In the heart of 1957 San Francisco, a seismic shift in American literary tradition is under fire in the provocative film, Howl. The movie is an intricate tapestry woven from three interlocking strands, each echoing the vibrancy and rebellious spirit of Allen Ginsberg's groundbreaking poem, "Howl". The film deftly navigates Ginsberg's turbulent journey towards artistic self-discovery, drawing on the raw intensity of his 1955 reading, an intimate interview, and pivotal scenes from his life. These scenes are beautifully illustrated, painting a vivid picture of Ginsberg's struggle with his mother's mental illness, his tender friendship with Neal Cassady, and his turbulent exploration of his homosexuality before finding solace in its acceptance, and his love for Peter Orlovsky. Simultaneously, Howl delves into the societal uproar ignited by the poem's publication in 1956. It reconstructs the gripping obscenity trial of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the bold publisher who dared to bring "Howl" to the masses. This pivotal event is explored through the lens of Ginsberg's own words, creating a poignant commentary on the inherent tension between artistic freedom and societal norms. Lastly, the film employs surreal animation to breathe life into segments of the poem, mirroring its unconventional style and evoking the raw, visceral power of Ginsberg's verse. This unique approach enhances the narrative, adding a layer of visual poetry that echoes the countercultural spirit of Ginsberg's work. Howl is a cinematic exploration of the birth of a counterculture, an illuminating depiction of one man's fight for creative expression, and a tribute to a masterpiece that dared to rebel against the constraints of its time.

Howl is a drama movie featuring James Franco and directed by Jeffrey Friedman.

Howl is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Peacock, Peacock Premium, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV and Redbox and it's also available on Chai Flicks, Hoopla, Revry and fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy Howl on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Redbox and YouTube.