Opening Night could not be any more exciting with the Rochester premiere of James Franco's latest pic, Howl, co-directed by Academy-Award-winning filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. We are also fortunate to have Jeffrey for the screening so please stay for the Q&A. How many times do you get to chat with an Oscar winner?And don't forget about our opening night party at nearby Eros. See you all tonight!
What an amazing film! I will admit I am not a fan of Allen Ginsberg's work, but within the context of this film gives great insight into Ginsberg's life and times.
ReplyDeleteEven more amazing was the fact that Mr. Friedman was able to spend the evening with us. ImageOut has brought yet another luminary to Rochester!
One of the most boring films I have ever seen. Didn't know what it wanted to be-a documentary, a cartoon or a story film. Very disa ppointing.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I was never a huge fan of Ginsberg either, but the documentary aspect of the film was great. The use of animation and imagery was also very nice in helping convey the context of the poem. Very nice overall.
ReplyDeleteI loved the animation segments. That was cool. And the court room scenes seemed so real. I thought I was watching it in real time!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Howl before this film. (Who the hell is Allen Ginsburg?) I know, it must be one of those "born after 1970" things, lol...
This was an amazing film. It was especially visually intriguing with the animated sections. They highlighted the poem.
ReplyDeleteI am not a big fan of Alan Ginsberg but the film is compelling and combining it with the transcripts of the trial enhanced the overall presentation. This film is worth seeing.
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ReplyDeleteOMG, TG, it's done! Holy shit.
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ReplyDeleteLoved the B&W segment and the Animation.
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ReplyDeleteTimelessness of poetry.
Animation interesting.
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ReplyDeleteThis could be a regular movie at the Little.
Michael's response:
Funny you mentioned that. The film actually opens at the Little two weeks after it's ImageOut screening.
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ReplyDeleteInteresting, provocative -- though an odd choice to open Festival.
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ReplyDeleteWOW! Really good and the case translates to today, sadly.
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ReplyDeleteGood film; but, the BEST Q&A ImageOut has had!
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ReplyDeleteThe decision was so important to Freedom!
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ReplyDeleteWell done -- a little long.
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ReplyDeleteIt was great to have the opportunity to watch this film with a predominantly gay audience. Fantastic interview with Jeffrey Friedman.
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ReplyDeleteI liked it mostly, but the animation didn't add much. Talk-Back ... WAY TOO LONG!
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ReplyDeleteMost captivating! I knew of the poet, his friends, but not his work. Thank you. Great lesson.
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ReplyDeleteFantastic kick-off piece -- animation was tedious at times but only had to close eyes to experience the words of Ginsburg [sic].
Suggest a microphone for audience questions -- from audience perspective, it's very difficult to track the response when the question cannot be heard.
Opening Night party was a bust for those that sat in on Q&A and the long delayed start of HOWL. Tighten things up!! Would be much appreciated by your attendees -- Thanks.
By the time of getting to Eros, snacks basically gone & picked over. Think of this for next year or have the "boy" flick first next year so we can enjoy ourselves!
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ReplyDeleteExcellent! But too much blah-blah-blah before the film!
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ReplyDeleteBasically an exegesis of "Howl" and only partly successful as such. But a charming tribute to Ginsburg [sic].
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ReplyDeleteExtremely well-done film. Surprised that a movie about a poem could be so engaging and effective. Thoroughly enjoyed it. What a treat to have Jeffrey Friedman here.
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ReplyDeleteAn excellent homage to the poem, the poet and the times.
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ReplyDeleteExcellent. Brought Ginsburg [sic] back.
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ReplyDeleteExquisite!
Simply beautiful!
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ReplyDeleteAn excellent combination of live acting and animation; the animation kept the action quick and flowing ... as well as the black and white for the past scenes.
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ReplyDeleteExcellent. Well done. Got me in touch with my youth. Enjoyed the evening.
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ReplyDeleteVery well done.
Excellent choice for opening night.
Enjoyed director's presence and the Q&A.
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ReplyDeleteMoving, powerful, relevant, inspiring, creative film!
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ReplyDeleteExcellent animation.
Excellent pacing.
Not a fan of Ginsberg but a fine story.
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ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing combination of writing, color and B&W photography, and animation! Very powerful!
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ReplyDeleteFour stars!
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ReplyDeleteSuperb acting, including a very natural portrayal of Ginsberg by James Franco. Franco blew me away with his outstanding acting. Ginsberg's intellectual brilliance was well established by the film.
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ReplyDeleteLove creative blending of documentary and poetic/animation pieces. Caught the modern in the images. Great to "experience" the poetry.
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ReplyDeleteThis movie truly surpassed my expectations. The acting was terrific all around but James Franco was astounding. I was also fascinated by the use of animation. What a wonderful way to be introduced, or even re-introduced, to the actual poem, Howl. All in all, a unique experience.
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ReplyDeleteHumanizing -- especially relationship with Peter.
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ReplyDeleteA film which is as energetic and lyrical as the poem itself. The contrast with poem and colors, then use of black and white -- just a glorious and great film!
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ReplyDeleteI liked the animation segments and the court hearings. It made me think a little bit of "Inherit the Wind." I don't know if anybody else thought that.
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ReplyDeleteExcellent but not sure about all the graphics tho.
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ReplyDeleteEnjoyed it greatly -- very different, creative, and moving in an unusual way for cinema (gay/lesbian or otherwise).