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James Franco brings Allen Ginsberg's 'Howl' to life
James Franco as Allen Ginsberg
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Courtesy of Oscilloscope Films
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Aaron Tveit and James Franco as Peter Orlovsky and Allen Ginsberg.
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Courtesy of Oscilloscope Films
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Directors Jeffrey Friedman and Rob Epstein work with James Franco on the set of HOWL.
(
Courtesy of Oscilloscope Films
)
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James Franco brings Allen Ginsberg's 'Howl' to life
Allen Ginsberg's seminal poem "Howl," is the subject of a new film that stars James Franco as the legendary beat poet.
"Howl" directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman say they chose Franco for the role partly because of how he played another real life character: James Dean.
"We looked at all of his work and the film that so impressed us in relationship to this part was what he did with the 'James Dean Story,'" said Epstein. "The fact that he did such a brilliant job of, not only personifying Dean, but really expressing all the depth of his emotional experience in that part."
Plus, Franco has a "personal connection" to the role, according to Epstein. The actor studied literature at UCLA and, later on, in graduate school.
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The movie uses animation, along with Franco's voice, to bring the famous poem to life on screen. The directors spent about a year working with Franco on the role, studying Ginsberg's life, as well as his voice and mannerisms.
The film also focuses on the controversy that was stirred up by "Howl." In 1957, the publisher of "Howl", Lawrence Ferlinghetti, was charged with selling obscene material. The ensuing trial would become an important freedom of speech case.
"Howl" opens Friday, Sept. 24 in limited release.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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