Beat Generation

French filmmakers Jean-Jacques Lebel and Xavier Villetard helmed this English-language documentary on the three main creative powers of the Beat Generation—Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs—focusing on both their respective contributions to post–World War II American literature and their complex and often convoluted relations with each other. In their eagerness to reconsider the basic structures of fiction and poetry, the writers brought an astonishing burst of energy into their breakthrough works. Yet each struggled with often significant personal problems, and the challenge of meeting the high expectations generated by their initial work eventually took a toll. Beat Generation offers some treats—most notably an audio recording of Ginsberg reciting his landmark poem Howl (albeit in a somewhat monotone presentation) and Kerouac speaking French in a Canadian TV interview (the child of French-Canadians, Kerouac didn't speak English until he was six). However, the directors rely too heavily on an early 1990s video interview with Ginsberg to fill in a lot of the facts, and the production is littered with well-worn stock footage depicting the American society that the Beat authors rebelled against. Nonetheless, viewers unfamiliar with Kerouac, Ginsberg, and Burroughs will find this to be a satisfactory introduction—one that will hopefully inspire some to discover the trio's still-amazing works. Recommended, overall. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)