Paul Rudd, Mary-Louise Parker join James Franco in a beatnik affair…
David Strathairn, Alan Alda, Jeff Daniels, Mary-Louise Parker and Paul Rudd are all set to join James Franco as Allen Ginsberg in the beatnik biopic ‘Howl.’
Documentary filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman will make their narrative writing, producing and directing debut with the 1950s-era tale, focusing on the obscenity trial launched to censor Ginsberg’s groundbreaking book-length poem. The pair were approached by the Allen Ginsberg Trust to make a film commemorating the 50th anniversary of ‘Howl.’
Among the real-life characters featured in the film are prosecuting attorney Ralph McIntosh (Strathairn), Judge Clayton Horn (Alda), prosecution witness Professor David Kirk (Daniels), radio personality and prosecution witness Gail Potter (Parker) and literary critic and defence witness Luther Nichols (Rudd).
Gus Van Sant is executive producing the project.
James Franco will next be seen in the stoner-action flick ‘Pineapple Express’, in Irish cinemas from September 12th.