The Source (1999)

  • NR
  • 01/23/1999 (US)
  • Documentary, History
  • 1h 28m

Overview

Traces the Beats from Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac's meeting in 1944 at Columbia University to the deaths of Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs in 1997. Three actors provide dramatic interpretations of the work of these three writers, and the film chronicles their friendships, their arrival into American consciousness, their travels, frequent parodies, Kerouac's death, and Ginsberg's politicization. Their movement connects with bebop, John Cage's music, abstract expressionism, and living theater. In recent interviews, Ginsberg, Burroughs, Kesey, Ferlinghetti, Mailer, Jerry Garcia, Tom Hayden, Gary Snyder, Ed Sanders, and others measure the Beats' meaning and impact.

Chuck Workman

Director

Cast

Johnny Depp's headshot

Johnny Depp

Jack Kerouac
Dennis Hopper's headshot

Dennis Hopper

William S. Burroughs
John Turturro's headshot

John Turturro

Allen Ginsberg
Allen Ginsberg's headshot

Allen Ginsberg

Self
Philip Glass's headshot

Philip Glass

Self
Robert Creeley's headshot

Robert Creeley

Self
Ann Charters's headshot

Ann Charters

Self
George Steade's headshot

George Steade

Self

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