James Franco Goes Beat, ‘Howl’ Gets a Start Date

Posted by Dr. Cole Abaius (cole.abaius@filmschoolrejects.com) on February 21, 2009

A while back, we stood slack-jawed at the fantastic cast for Howl, a movie that blends the story of the obscenity suit against Allen Ginsberg with an animated adaptation of the famous beat poem. James Franco is taking the lead, although I’ve mentioned that he needs to gain a few pounds, avoid shaving for a year and starting sucking on William Burroughs’s ass cheeks to really do the part justice. Alan Alda, Mary Louise Parker, Paul Rudd, Jeff Daniels, and David Straitharn are on board for the flick.

Now, according to Variety, the movie is now fully financed through Werc Werk Works with Gus Van Sant executively producing. It starts filming in mid-March.

I’m thrilled that Ginsberg’s genius is coming to screen in what sounds like an inventive way, but I’m still really uneasy about the casting choice of James Franco. Although, in all honesty, I have no idea who would make a good Ginsberg. Would I like to see David Cross play the part? Probably. But could he realistically carry an entire film where he doesn’t appear in cut-offs? Not likely.

What do you think? Who would be right for playing Ginsberg?

Read more articles by Dr. Cole Abaius