
The Source
1999 · Movie · 90 min · ★ 5.4
When Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs met at Columbia University in the 1940s, they spawned a movement, then called the Beats, that set precedents for the political, hippie and spiritual movements of the 1960s and ‘70s. This comprehensive portrait of the Beat Generation includes interviews with virtually every surviving figure from this period. Johnny Depp, Dennis Hopper and John Turturro perform dramatized readings of works by Kerouac, Burroughs and Ginsberg. The Source is the definitive film portrait of the Beat Generation and the countercultural movements that followed, directed with flair by Academy Award® winner Chuck Workman.
Also known as The Source: The Story of the Beats and the Beat Generation
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1999
- Release date
- 1999-01-23
- Language
- English
- Runtime
- 90 min
- TMDB rating
- 5.4/10 (14 votes)
Themes
- biography
- writer
- gay theme
- gay artist
Cast & crew

Johnny Depp
as Jack Kerouac

Dennis Hopper
as William S. Burroughs

John Turturro
as Allen Ginsberg

Allen Ginsberg
as Self (archive footage)

William S. Burroughs
as Self (archive footage)

Philip Glass
as Self
- RC
Robert Creeley
as Self
- AC
Ann Charters
as Self
- GS
George Steade
as Self

David Amram
as Self
Directed by Chuck Workman