The Broken Tower (film)

The Broken Tower is a 2011 American independent biographical drama film directed by James Franco. It chronicles the life of American poet Hart Crane, focusing on his artistic struggles, personal relationships, and eventual suicide at the age of 32. Franco also stars as Crane, leading a cast that includes Michael Shannon, Megan Fox, and Vince Jolivette.

The film is based on Paul Mariani's biography of Crane, "The Broken Tower: A Life of Hart Crane." It explores themes of artistic ambition, sexuality, mental illness, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing modern world. The film utilizes Crane's poetry and fragments of his letters to provide insight into his inner life and creative process. The narrative is non-linear, employing flashbacks and fragmented scenes to mirror Crane's own often chaotic and emotionally charged existence. The Broken Tower aims to offer an intimate and complex portrait of a significant figure in American literature.