Cast
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James Franco
as Allen Ginsberg
Todd Rotondi
as Jack Kerouac
Jon Prescott
as Neal Cassady
Aaron Tveit
as Peter Orlovsky
David Strathairn
as Ralph McIntosh
Jon Hamm
as Jake Ehrlich
Andrew Rogers
as Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Bob Balaban
as Judge Clayton Horn
Mary-Louise Parker
as Gail Potter
Treat Williams
as Mark Schorer
Jeff Daniels
as Professor David Kirk
Alessandro Nivola
as Luther Nichols
Allen Ginsberg
as Self
Sean Patrick Reilly
as Six Gallery
Alex Emanuel
as Six Gallery
Crew
Director
- Rob Epstein
- Jeffrey Friedman
Writer
- Jeffrey Friedman
- Rob Epstein
Producer
- Rob Epstein
- Jeffrey Friedman
- Elizabeth Redleaf
- Christine K. Walker
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Howl examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Rob Epstein brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2010, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Howl took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 108 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 449 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Howl shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Paths, which focuses more on action than character development, Howl offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hazel's People and Independence Day explore similar territory, Howl stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 26, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Revenue: $1,183,258
Where to Watch
