"Kill Your Darlings" (2013) Movie Review: A Raw and Intimate Exploration of the Birth of the Beat Generation

Kill Your Darlings (2013), directed by John Krokidas, is a compelling and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into the formative years of the Beat Generation, focusing on the lives of the writers who would go on to revolutionize American literature. Set against the backdrop of the 1940s, the film explores the intellectual and emotional turmoil of young Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), his relationships with other iconic writers such as William S. Burroughs (Ben Foster) and Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston), and the tragedy that served as a catalyst for the movement’s creation.

The film’s title, which refers to the advice given to writers to “kill their darlings” (essentially, to discard parts of their work that are precious but unnecessary), metaphorically reflects the emotional and intellectual growth the characters undergo, particularly in their journey toward both literary and personal self-determination.

Plot Overview

Kill Your Darlings centers around Allen Ginsberg, a young and idealistic student at Columbia University in New York City. The film opens with Ginsberg’s arrival at the prestigious school, where he is struggling with his sexuality, his place in the literary world, and his strained relationship with his mentally ill mother, Naomi (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Ginsberg is introduced to a group of radical, free-thinking students who are on the cusp of challenging literary norms.

Among these students are the rebellious and charismatic Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan), who becomes a close friend and love interest of Ginsberg, as well as the passionate, often volatile William S. Burroughs and the introspective Jack Kerouac. The group’s unconventional ideas and philosophical debates lead to both intellectual breakthroughs and personal conflict.

The story takes a darker turn when Lucien Carr becomes involved in the murder of his former lover, David Kammerer (Michael C. Hall), a troubled man who had been obsessed with him. This event shakes the literary community and becomes a turning point for Ginsberg, who begins to understand the destructive and chaotic forces that can shape creativity and art. The film follows Ginsberg’s journey of self-discovery, as he grapples with his identity, the complexities of his relationships with the other writers, and his role in the birth of the Beat Generation.

Themes of Identity, Artistic Rebellion, and Tragedy

The film explores several major themes, with identity being one of the most prominent. Ginsberg’s struggle with his sexuality is a central aspect of his character. At a time when homosexuality was not openly discussed or accepted, Ginsberg’s relationship with Carr, along with his struggles to accept himself, forms the emotional core of the film. Kill Your Darlings highlights the tension between societal expectations and personal identity, and Ginsberg’s journey toward understanding himself as a writer and a person is depicted with sensitivity and nuance.

Artistic rebellion is another key theme of the film. The characters of Ginsberg, Carr, Burroughs, and Kerouac are all rebellious in their own ways, pushing back against the constraints of conventional society, literature, and academia. Their work is fueled by a desire to break free from the norms and expectations of their time, challenging established structures of power, literature, and self-expression. The film paints a picture of the creative ferment that eventually led to the rise of the Beat Generation, emphasizing the radical nature of their intellectual and artistic pursuits.

The tragic murder of David Kammerer and the complex relationship between Carr and Kammerer form the darker subplot of the film. The incident serves as both a catalyst for the group’s transformation and a sobering moment for Ginsberg, who begins to confront the destructive side of their artistic rebellion. The themes of guilt, tragedy, and the cost of creative and intellectual freedom are explored deeply in this context, adding weight to the film’s narrative and illustrating the complexities of the characters' lives.

Character Development and Performances

Daniel Radcliffe delivers a standout performance as Allen Ginsberg, capturing both the intellectual curiosity and emotional vulnerability of the young poet. Radcliffe’s portrayal of Ginsberg is sensitive, allowing the character’s inner conflicts to emerge without overshadowing the larger narrative. His performance provides the emotional depth needed to explore Ginsberg’s personal journey, from an unsure student to a self-actualized writer.

Dane DeHaan’s portrayal of Lucien Carr is equally impressive. Carr is charismatic, rebellious, and enigmatic, and DeHaan captures these qualities with intensity and authenticity. His chemistry with Radcliffe is palpable, particularly in their scenes together, where the emotional tension of their relationship drives much of the film’s emotional weight. DeHaan brings a rawness to the character, showing the complexity of Carr’s actions and the internal struggles that lie beneath his outward confidence.

Ben Foster and Jack Huston portray Burroughs and Kerouac, respectively, and while their roles are secondary to Ginsberg and Carr, both actors deliver performances that provide insight into these iconic figures. Foster’s portrayal of Burroughs is more subdued but shows the character’s intellectual and emotional depth, while Huston’s portrayal of Kerouac highlights the writer’s charm, ambition, and underlying sadness. The supporting cast, including Jennifer Jason Leigh as Ginsberg’s mother, also adds depth to the film, offering key emotional beats that tie into Ginsberg’s journey.

Direction and Cinematography

John Krokidas’ direction is both stylish and grounded, capturing the energy and spirit of the intellectual and literary circles of 1940s New York. The pacing of the film allows for quiet, reflective moments while still driving the narrative forward with tension and intrigue. Krokidas does an excellent job of balancing the personal and the intellectual, allowing the film to explore both the human side of Ginsberg’s journey and the broader cultural and literary shifts that were taking place at the time.

The cinematography by Enrique Chediak is sharp and visually evocative, using the dark, moody streets of New York City to reflect the characters' inner turmoil and the intensity of their lives. The film also effectively uses flashbacks and dreamlike sequences to convey Ginsberg’s internal struggles and his creative process. The visual style complements the film’s themes of rebellion, creativity, and self-discovery, with rich textures and lighting that give the film an almost noir-like atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Kill Your Darlings (2013) is a compelling and emotionally resonant film that offers an intimate look at the early lives of the writers who would go on to define the Beat Generation. Through its exploration of love, identity, and artistic rebellion, the film paints a vivid portrait of a group of young men grappling with the complexities of their time and their place in history.

The strong performances by Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, and the supporting cast bring depth and authenticity to the film, while John Krokidas’ direction ensures that the story is both personal and historically significant. The film’s exploration of the tragic event that shaped these writers’ lives adds emotional weight to the narrative, making it more than just a biographical drama but a reflection on the costs of creativity, love, and intellectual freedom.

For fans of literary history, coming-of-age stories, or the Beat Generation, Kill Your Darlings offers a thought-provoking, beautifully crafted experience. It’s a film about the intersection of art and life, the passion of youth, and the darker side of creative genius.