Howl

Howl

It is interesting to have lived through the development and demise of many art theatres in Toronto. The International Cinema and Town Cinema were favorites for many years. It is hard to believe but the Carleton Cinema showed the best and newest films when it first opened. The Cumberland also guaranteed the best of new films. The Royal is still and art house but only shows films in the evening and weekends.

September 12 changed everything for film goers in Toronto when the TIFF Bell Lightbox officially opened. I feel so privileged to be living in the downtown area of this city. 4 floors of dining, art, lectures and cinema. The building is open every day of the year. The best of the ‘oldies’ is available as well as current national and international superb films. Many of these films will probably never play at other theatres and certainly aren’t available in smaller towns or cities. I could go to TIFF Bell Lightbox without even knowing what is playing and be guaranteed several options of great cinema. The programmers are very skilled in their work. It is also the most comfortable place to watch good cinema. Five auditoriums show films daily.

I found Howl an extraordinary film. I was mesmerized and learned so much. It was like a full English course (in one sitting) on the poet Allen Ginsberg.

James Franco is magnificent as he plays the part of Allen Ginsberg. He reads the poems with such emotion and intensity. The poem Howl is used as a central focus for the story.

Allen Ginsberg ( Franco) talks about his life and his loves. He reads many of his literary works.

While he is reading his poems visual images are cast on the screen, He claims that reading poetry is a meditative experience.

The poem Howl is charged with obscenity. The trial scene was an education in itself. All lawyers and literary students will find this scene fascinating. Some of the words may be shocking but the lawyer proved that the words were valid. .He claimed that the objectionable words were necessary. It was argued that the trial would bring attention to this type of literature.

Fortunately the judge agreed that the poetry is literature and should remain as written. He stated that an author should be allowed to express his own words. “Freedom must be protected”, he said.

Allen Ginsberg was in a mental institution for some time. He claims he got himself out when he promised not to be a practicing homosexual. At the end of the film we learn about the early deaths of so many of his friends. Allen Ginsberg died at the age of 70. He is considered one of the most celebrated poets in America.

This superb film is a fine example of the unique films being shown at TIFF Bell Lightbox.