Friday, October 8, 2010

Program 2: Howl

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!

39 comments:

Jim V. said...

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.

Even more amazing was the fact that Mr. Friedman was able to spend the evening with us. ImageOut has brought yet another luminary to Rochester!

Anonymous said...

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.

Woody said...

I 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.

Stefan said...

I loved the animation segments. That was cool. And the court room scenes seemed so real. I thought I was watching it in real time!

I 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...

Rick P. said...

This was an amazing film. It was especially visually intriguing with the animated sections. They highlighted the poem.
I 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.

Todd F said...

From the ballots:

OMG, TG, it's done! Holy shit.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:

Loved the B&W segment and the Animation.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:

Timelessness of poetry.
Animation interesting.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:

This 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.

Thomas W said...

From the ballots:
Interesting, provocative -- though an odd choice to open Festival.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
WOW! Really good and the case translates to today, sadly.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Good film; but, the BEST Q&A ImageOut has had!

Bill W said...

From the ballots:
The decision was so important to Freedom!

DJ M said...

From the ballots:
Well done -- a little long.

Todd P said...

From the ballots:
It was great to have the opportunity to watch this film with a predominantly gay audience. Fantastic interview with Jeffrey Friedman.

Jamie W said...

From the ballots:
I liked it mostly, but the animation didn't add much. Talk-Back ... WAY TOO LONG!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Most captivating! I knew of the poet, his friends, but not his work. Thank you. Great lesson.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Fantastic 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!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Excellent! But too much blah-blah-blah before the film!

Herb S said...

From the ballots:
Basically an exegesis of "Howl" and only partly successful as such. But a charming tribute to Ginsburg [sic].

Tom C said...

From the ballots:
Extremely 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.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
An excellent homage to the poem, the poet and the times.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Excellent. Brought Ginsburg [sic] back.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Exquisite!
Simply beautiful!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
An 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.

Day said...

From the ballots:
Excellent. Well done. Got me in touch with my youth. Enjoyed the evening.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Very well done.
Excellent choice for opening night.
Enjoyed director's presence and the Q&A.

Sue C said...

From the ballots:
Moving, powerful, relevant, inspiring, creative film!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Excellent animation.
Excellent pacing.
Not a fan of Ginsberg but a fine story.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
What an amazing combination of writing, color and B&W photography, and animation! Very powerful!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Four stars!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Superb 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.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Love creative blending of documentary and poetic/animation pieces. Caught the modern in the images. Great to "experience" the poetry.

BGJ said...

From the ballots:
This 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.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Humanizing -- especially relationship with Peter.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
A 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!

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
I 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.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Excellent but not sure about all the graphics tho.

Anonymous said...

From the ballots:
Enjoyed it greatly -- very different, creative, and moving in an unusual way for cinema (gay/lesbian or otherwise).