Watch The Broken Tower

"The Broken Tower" is a biographical drama film directed by James Franco, which was released in 2011. The film tells the story of the American poet Hart Crane, played by Franco, from his early years as a struggling writer in New York City in the 1920s to his tragic death at the age of 32. The film is based on Paul Mariani's biography of Hart Crane, an influential figure in the modernist movement of poetry and literature.

The movie is set in the early 20th century when poets and writers had a constant search for the unusual, with their lives at the forefront of their work. Hart Crane, who is depicted as gay, is a young and ambitious poet who is seeking success and recognition in the literary world. He is friends with other poets, such as Waldo Frank, played by Michael Shannon, and Harry Crosby, played by Dave Franco.

The movie takes us through some of the poet's most pivotal moments, including his move to Paris where he found inspiration and the subsequent publication of his famous epic poem "The Bridge" which becomes a critical and financial failure. The film also focuses on his numerous relationships with various men, including himself, which ultimately contributed to his downfall.

As the movie progresses, we watch Crane's personal life and artistic vision collide. The consequences of his personal relationships, including his alcoholism, only exacerbate his inner turmoil as he struggles to find his place in the writing community. Despite the weight of his personal battles and the mounting external criticisms of his work, Crane continues to produce the very best of his craft.

James Franco, who is writer-behind, director-behind, and star-behind all in one, delivers a gripping performance as a complex character whose self-destructive desires get the best of him. The movie is narrated in a poetic style which blends the lines of Crane's and Franco's prose, giving the viewer a deep understanding of the artistic creation process while also painting a vivid picture of the environment and society in which Crane worked.

The film captures both the beauty and tragedy of the poet's life, with stunning set and production design that immerses the viewer in the early 20th century world. As the movie reaches its conclusion, the audience can only watch as the brightest star of poetry is consumed by the same fire that once fuelled his art.

In conclusion, "The Broken Tower" is a tragedy of great proportions. It is a movie that highlights the importance of creative expression and the restraints that artists faced in the 1920s. James Franco's performance is exceptional, and it's clear that he had a deep admiration for Hart Crane's life and work. While the picture of Hart Crane's life may be one of a genius who died too soon, the beauty of his poetry and the influence of his life remains. Franco's film honors Crane's legacy, but it also serves as a cautionary tale to all artists who seek the world's adoration but forget to care for their own wellbeing.

The Broken Tower is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9 and a MetaScore of 46.