Media Minded: Howl, The Movie, Starring James Franco

In just a few short weeks, the movie "Howl" will start filming in New York. The plot centers on the obscenity trial stemming from Allen Ginsberg's poem. There also will be an "animated reimagining" of the poem, which strikes me as bizarre, but in a good, I-sorta-want-to-see-that kind of way. Also bizarre in a good way? James Franco as Ginsberg. Discuss.

I've always had a fascination with the beats (evidence here and here), and this poem is no exception. It starts with one of the most perfect opening lines ever written: "I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness." It's my lifelong pursuit to match the brilliance of this line. My luck, the best I'll be able to come up with is "The night was dry, yet it was raining," a la "Don't Throw Mama From the Train."

Tonight was perfect for re-reading "Howl," drinking a glass of wine and -- wait for it -- wait for it -- baking cookies from scratch.




My cookie army is complete.