

The Source
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Source: The Story of the Beats and the Beat Generation
Type: Trailer • Published 2018-09-18
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Johnny Depp
Jack Kerouac
Dennis Hopper
William S. Burroughs
John Turturro
Allen Ginsberg
Allen Ginsberg
Self (archive footage)
William S. Burroughs
Self (archive footage)
Philip Glass
Self
Robert Creeley
Self
Ann Charters
Self
George Steade
Self
David Amram
Self
Ed Sanders
Self
Gregory Corso
Self
Kyle Roderick
Self
Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Self
Ken Kesey
Self
Gary Snyder
Self
Jerry Garcia
Self
Jack Micheline
Self
Release History & Theatrical Window
Festival du film de Sundance
Festival / Special Debut
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$361K
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Chuck Workman
- Screenplay & Story
- Chuck Workman
- Original Title
- The Source
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 28m
- Worldwide Gross
- $361K
- Production Studios
- Calliope Films, Thirteen
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Chuck Workman
Chuck Workman
Department Leadership Roster
Chuck Workman
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Source.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Source.
1990
list_History
Movies categorized under History
MovieLens[:10K]
Johnny Depp 🇺🇲
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Source
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Source about?
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.
Who directed The Source?
The Source was directed by Chuck Workman.
Who stars in The Source?
The principal cast of The Source includes Johnny Depp, Dennis Hopper, John Turturro, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs.
When was The Source released and how long is it?
The Source was released in 1999 with a total runtime of 1h 28m.
How much did The Source make at the box office?
The Source grossed $361K in worldwide ticket sales.


















