“Killing Your Darlings”

October 18, 2013

By Chantelle Bacigalupo 10-18-13

The once young Harry Potter actor, Daniel Radcliffe, plays a naively mature Allen Ginsberg in “Killing Your Darlings.” The story follows the pre-1944 murder that drew together the great poets of the Beat Generation: Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and William Burroughs.

Danielle Radcliffe gives a fine performance with an impeccable American accent and a beautiful arc to his character. The gay sex scene has spiked curiosity, but the real meat is in his inspiring execution of vulnerability and courage. Although Radcliffe already has a name for himself, Dave DeHaan is not easily overlooked. DeHaan takes over the screen with his torturously magnificent performance portraying confidence, and sneaking in the wrecked little boy beneath.

The old time gaudy music throughout adds a whole new edge; however, contemporary music is played twice. The film itself has a pleasant rhythm to it. It creates an atmosphere of fast paced passion on the brink of destruction while the poets strive to accomplish the “new vision.” Although darker moments arise, they are balanced with witty humor. Jokes about the Barnard girls are generously thrown throughout it all.

The theme of life’s pattern being a circle is supported through the whole film with quotes, visuals, and plot events. Eventually life’s circle is always broken. This is where the passion and spontaneity surfaces. One of my favorite quotes was said at the beginning of the film that really captures the essence of the Beat poets.

“I love firsts, I want my whole life to consist of them.” – Lucien Carr

This film will keep you on your toes. What makes it most thrilling is that at the back of your mind you know it was based on a legendary story.