The Broken Tower Poster

The Broken Tower 2012

★ 4.724 votes111 min📅 2012-04-27

"The truth is indecent"

Dive into the haunting final days of American literary legend Hart Crane in *The Broken Tower* (2012), James Franco's gripping docudrama that blends drama with historical depth.

Director: James Franco

Cast

James Franco
James Franco
Hart Crane
Stacey Miller
Mrs. Cowley
Vince Jolivette
American Man in Paris
Betsy Franco
Mother Crane
Dave Franco
Dave Franco
Young Hart Crane
David Rothstadt
Poetry Reading Attendant
David Gerson
Drunken Cafe Attendant
Sean Patrick Murray
Movie Theater Attendant
Gary Abrams
Angry Boxing Fan
Ira Berkowitz
Poetry Enthusiast

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Broken Tower (2012) about?

*The Broken Tower* follows the final chapter of Hart Crane's life, a brilliant but troubled poet whose struggles with identity, love, and despair culminate in a tragic end. The film weaves between his inner turmoil and the external pressures of his time, offering a raw glimpse into the mind of a man whose words still echo through literary history. It's a story of creativity clashing with chaos.

Who directed The Broken Tower?

James Franco helmed *The Broken Tower*, bringing both his directorial vision and leading role to this introspective drama about Hart Crane's tragic final journey.

Who stars in The Broken Tower?

James Franco leads the cast as Hart Crane, joined by Stacey Miller, Vince Jolivette, Betsy Franco, and Dave Franco, with David Rothstadt rounding out the ensemble.

Is The Broken Tower (2012) worth watching?

As a thought-provoking historical drama, *The Broken Tower* is worth the watch for fans of literary biopics and James Franco's ambitious filmmaking. While it may not be a crowd-pleaser, its unflinching portrayal of a doomed genius and its atmospheric storytelling make it a compelling, if melancholic, experience.

How long is The Broken Tower?

The Broken Tower runs for 111 minutes, offering a concise yet immersive dive into Hart Crane's final days.

🎥 Trailer

About The Broken Tower (2012) — James Franco's haunting tribute to a doomed poetic genius

Dive into the haunting final days of American literary legend Hart Crane in *The Broken Tower* (2012), James Franco's gripping docudrama that blends drama with historical depth. Franco stars as Crane, the tormented poet whose life spiraled into tragedy when he leapt from the SS Orizaba in 1932 at just 32 years old. Framed by Franco's bold direction, the film immerses viewers in the raw emotional turmoil of a genius wrestling with inner demons, unfulfilled ambition, and the crushing weight of societal expectations. The stark visuals and visceral performances mirror Crane's turbulent existence, painting a portrait of a man whose brilliance was both his salvation and his curse.

Set against the gritty backdrop of the early 20th century, *The Broken Tower* explores themes of isolation, creativity, and the often-taboo boundaries of truth and morality. Franco's portrayal captures the poet's flawed humanity, while the supporting cast—including Stacey Miller and Vince Jolivette—add layers of authenticity to this intimate historical drama. With a runtime of 111 minutes, the film is a poignant meditation on the fleeting nature of life and art.