Recently Watched: The Source
The Source directed by Chuck Workman — Picture a young John Turturro, dressed as Allen Ginsberg: Khaki pants, a white button-down, collared shirt and black-rimmed glasses. He is standing in New York City, reciting Howl. This is a taste of the movie’s dramatic impact.
The film is a look into the life of the three original beats, from the time they met, until their respective deaths. Jack Kerouac, 
Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs were truly counterculture. The three were introduced by Lucien Carr, the “glue” of the group, according to Ginsberg. They engaged in intense conversations, shared poetry, sex and drugs. Eventually, the group migrated west to San Francisco. Enter Lawrence Ferlinghetti, West Coast Beats and City Lights Bookstore. Enter poetry readings, book banning and court hearings. The group, and the movement, flourished.
“The Source” is mostly a series of interviews and old footage, accompanied by aforementioned Turturro, Johnny Depp and Dennis Hopper’s dramatic reciting. Depp is a young Kerouac, smoking, sipping and reading from On the Road, Scattered Poems and more. Hopper is Burroughs in a quiet room and a dark suit.
I was enamored with the Beats at an early age. I quickly began to follow Ginsberg, Kerouac, Gary Snyder, Ken Kesey, Diane DiPrima…They were my first heroes. They were my inspiration. If you have any interest in this time period, “The Source” captures its spirit effortlessly.
3 responses so far
Thanks for the heads up . I haven’t seen it though I hope to find is lingering on Sundance or the independent film channel.
I’ve always been interested in Ginsberg, Kerouac. Not being a writer my time spent in this area is limited, so this gives me something to look forward to.
Congratulations to the new 20sb Featured Blogger!
I definitely need to see this because I’m crazily obsessed with the Beats. I honestly, can’t wait to see this.