`THE SOURCE' EXAMINES THE BEATS.Byline: Glenn Whipp Film Critic Ever wonder why people make such a big deal out of the marginalized writers lumped together as the Beats? Filmmaker Chuck Workman makes a pretty strong case for their importance in his exhilarating new documentary, ``The Source,'' which chronicles the likes of Allen Ginsberg Noun 1. Allen Ginsberg - United States poet of the beat generation (1926-1997) Ginsberg , Jack Kerouac Noun 1. Jack Kerouac - United States writer who was a leading figure of the beat generation (1922-1969) Jean-Louis Lebris de Kerouac, Kerouac and William Burroughs Noun 1. William Burroughs - United States writer noted for his works portraying the life of drug addicts (1914-1997) Burroughs, William S. Burroughs, William Seward Burroughs and shows their profound impact on popular culture in the past half-century. The film is a fascinating compendium of archival photos, newsreel footage and interviews, including conversations with Ginsberg, Burroughs and '60s guru Timothy Leary that were recorded shortly before their recent deaths. Workman intersperses the history lessons with dramatic readings performed by Johnny Depp John Christopher Depp II[1] (born June 9 1963) is an American actor. Biography Early life Depp was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, to John Christopher Depp Sr., a city engineer, and Betty Sue (Wells), a waitress. , John Turturro and Dennis Hopper, who triumphantly bring the Beats' words to vivid life. While Workman is careful to note that these poets and writers were hardly best-sellers in their day, he intersperses a collage of clips from movies and television to show how deeply Beat culture penetrated the mainstream. (Best shot: ``The Beverly Hillbillies' '' Irene Ryan (``Granny'') decrying ``beatniks.'' Second best: Kerouac on ``The Steve Allen Show.'') Today, the Beats' images and words help sell khakis and coffee mugs, something Workman finds more comical than outrageous. The archival footage is fascinating. We see home movies of Beat muse Neal Cassidy driving the Merry Prankster bus and striking shots of Burroughs reading his work. There's also a sad clip of a desolate Kerouac, drunk and nearing the end of his life, suffering verbal abuse verbal abuse Psychology A form of emotional abuse consisting of the use of abusive and demeaning language with a spouse, child, or elder, often by a caregiver or other person in a position of power. See Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Spousal abuse. from William F. Buckley on ``Firing Line.'' Workman, though, prefers to celebrate his subjects rather than dwell on the inevitable hardships brought about by their refusal to join the mainstream. In that respect, ``The Source'' is more about the glory of the spoken and written word and a celebration of a time when poetry still had the power to make a difference in the world. Dig? The facts The film: ``The Source'' (Unrated; includes profanity Irreverence towards sacred things; particularly, an irreverent or blasphemous use of the name of God. Vulgar, irreverent, or coarse language. The use of certain profane or obscene language on the radio or television is a federal offense, but in other situations, profanity , adult themes). Behind the scenes: Written and directed by Chuck Workman. Released by Winstar Films. Running time: One hour, 29 minutes. Playing: Landmark's Nuart Theatre in West Los Angeles
Our rating: Three stars CAPTION(S): Photo PHOTO Bob Dylan, left, and poet Allen Ginsberg commiserate com·mis·er·ate v. com·mis·er·at·ed, com·mis·er·at·ing, com·mis·er·ates v.tr. To feel or express sorrow or pity for; sympathize with. v.intr. over a D major chord in ``The Source,'' a documentary about the Beats. |
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