The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg (2004)

Synopsis: Few poems can be as aptly titled as Allen Ginsberg's "Howl." A rallying cry against all the injustices that threatened to quash the freedoms enjoyed by Ginsberg's generation, it was his... Few poems can be as aptly titled as Allen Ginsberg's "Howl." A rallying cry against all the injustices that threatened to quash the freedoms enjoyed by Ginsberg's generation, it was his breakthrough work in 1955. A hugely charismatic performer of his own prose, Ginsberg quickly drew the respect and admiration of a sizeable audience, as well as his Beat Generation peers. Director Jerry Aronson took note of Ginsberg's powerful magnetism on stage, and proceeded to painstakingly accrue footage for the documentary THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ALLEN GINSBERG. Originally released in 1993, this version has been fully updated to cover Ginsberg's untimely death in 1997. Formative experiences such as sexual encounters with Jack Kerouac, and drug experiences with Timothy Leary are explicitly detailed, as is an arresting confrontation with TV-host William F. Buckley. Some of Ginsberg's lesser know works make an appearance, as well as the wonderful double-whammy of two "Howl" readings, performed in 1955 and 1992. Ginsberg's political and Buddhist leanings are also meticulously explored, with the film accentuating both these character traits in a remarkable clash with the police at the Democratic Convention in 1968. Surrounded by turmoil, the beleaguered Beat poet takes to the stage, and calmly delivers a compelling Buddhist chant. Endorsed by Ginsberg when the film was originally released in 1993, this engaging update provides a fitting epitaph for the great man. [More]

Starring: Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, Ken Kesey, Timothy Leary

Starring: Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, Ken Kesey, Timothy Leary, Norman Mailer, Joan Baez, Amiri Baraka, Abbie Hoffman

Director: Jerry Aronson

Director: Jerry Aronson
Producer: Jerry Aronson
Studio: New Yorker Films

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