The Source (1999): cast, story & where to watch
1999 · Film · ★ 5.1
Released in 1999, The Source is a history and documentary film directed by Chuck Workman, running about 88 minutes.
What it’s 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’s in it. The Source stars Dennis Hopper as William S. Burroughs, John Turturro as Allen Ginsberg, Allen Ginsberg as Self and Steve Martin as Himself, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.1/10, The Source has proved divisive with audiences. It went on to earn $360.9K at the box office.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Source page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Source tend to enjoy Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge and Green Book.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Source (1999)?
- In US, The Source is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Source worth watching?
- The Source holds an audience score of 5.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy history and documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Source?
- The Source stars Dennis Hopper, John Turturro, Allen Ginsberg, Steve Martin and Philip Glass.
- When was The Source released?
- The Source was released in 1999, with a runtime of about 88 minutes.