The film recounts the life and death of poet Hart Crane (played by James Franco). It follows his experiences, from working for his father to carving out time for poetry, as well as exploring his relationships as a gay man. It's presented in a fairly conventional way, unfolding chronologically, though it incorporates poetic imagery—particularly early on—though not quite as much as I would have liked. The visuals are primarily black and white, filmed with a handheld camera that gives them a raw, almost frantic quality. These stylistic choices feel appropriate for depicting this character. It has the atmosphere of a documentary, even if it isn’t one. Another technique employed is dividing the film into sections, referred to as _Voyages_, each accompanied by a descriptive subtitle that prepares the viewer for what's coming. This aligns with literary traditions. James Franco clearly holds great respect and affection for Hart Crane, which makes his portrayal very convincing. Crane comes across as a vulnerable man who simply wants to write poetry and exist. He doesn’t harbor grand ambitions, but feels misunderstood and unaccepted by the world around him. Michael Shannon appears in a smaller role as Crane's lover—I appreciate when established actors take on these kinds of parts; it suggests they are driven by more than just financial gain and want to contribute to meaningful storytelling. This film might typically be labeled a “B-movie,” though I’m not entirely sure what that signifies. However, upon closer examination, the production creates a very convincing atmosphere, and the performances are strong. The color palette, the handheld camera work, and the editing style—I believe these were deliberate choices intended to capture the essence of Hart Crane, allowing viewers to truly connect with him. Ultimately, it’s an ambitious film that takes risks, mirroring Hart Crane himself. It's not a blockbuster by any measure, but it is quite personal and moving if you engage with the _Voyages_ presented. For what it's worth, this movie inspired me to learn more about Hart Crane and his poetry—a book bearing his name now sits on my bookshelf.

Source on TMDB