Is this a biography of William S. Burroughs?

Not exactly. While Burroughs is a major figure in the film, the movie is primarily about Howard Brookner, the man who directed the definitive documentary on Burroughs. It’s more about the relationship between the filmmaker, his subject, and his surviving family.

How much drug use is actually shown?

There is archival footage of the 1970s NYC scene where drug use is discussed and implied, and Burroughs' own history with heroin is a central part of his identity. It's not glamorized, but it is present as a historical fact.

Is it too depressing for a teenager?

It is sad, but also celebratory. The 'quest' aspect of finding the lost film gives it a sense of purpose and hope. It’s less about the tragedy of death and more about the triumph of being remembered.

Do we need to see 'Burroughs: The Movie' first?

No. Uncle Howard tells you everything you need to know about that film and its significance. In fact, watching this first might make seeing the original documentary even more meaningful.

Uncle Howard – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Uncle Howard

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Aaron Brookner uncovers his late uncle's film archive hidden in a windowless bunker once home to William S. Burroughs.

92%

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Uncle Howard

movie

R, 2017

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Aaron Brookner uncovers his late uncle's film archive hidden in a windowless bunker once home to William S. Burroughs.

92%

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is an aspiring filmmaker or a history buff obsessed with the Bowery in its grit-and-glory days, this is a goldmine. It's a detective story where the prize isn't a treasure chest, but a stack of 16mm film cans that explain a lost family member.

That said, it isn't light viewing. It’s a somber, beautiful look at a life cut short and a creative world that was nearly erased. It’s best watched with a teenager who is ready for a real conversation about legacy and the cost of the avant-garde lifestyle.

Age Fit

This is firmly for older teens (16+) and adults. The themes of loss, the AIDS epidemic, and the drug-fueled 70s art scene require a level of maturity and historical context that younger kids just won't have yet.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

At its core, this is a moving tribute from a nephew to his late uncle, focused on preserving a family and creative legacy. However, the subject matter involves the gritty 1970s NYC art scene and the reality of the AIDS crisis.

Imaginative

The film captures the raw creative energy of a specific era and celebrates the act of archival discovery. It's a love letter to independent filmmaking and the 'bunker' mentality of the avant-garde.

Safe

The documentary deals heavily with the life of William S. Burroughs, which includes references to significant drug use and transgressive art. It also centers on the AIDS crisis and the death of the protagonist's uncle.

Enriching

It provides an incredible historical window into the creative culture of New York in the 70s and 80s. For a student of film or history, it's a masterclass in how personal stories intersect with cultural movements.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Unrivaled archival access to the private world of William S. Burroughs and the 1970s New York underground.
Deeply personal storytelling that avoids the dry, detached tone of many historical documentaries.
A cultural time capsule for anyone interested in the history of independent cinema and the impact of the AIDS epidemic on the arts.
High critical praise with a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a top-tier documentary experience.

⚠

What to Watch For

The film doesn't shy away from the heavy reality of the AIDS crisis, which claimed Howard Brookner's life at 35.
Expect frank discussions and footage related to William S. Burroughs, whose life and work involve themes of heroin addiction and transgressive sexuality.
The pacing is reflective and archival; it's a movie for people who love the process of history, not an action-packed narrative.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Aaron felt it was so important to find these specific lost negatives 25 years later?"
"How did the creative energy of New York in the 70s seem different from the city today?"
"What does this film tell us about how a single generation of artists can be impacted by a health crisis like AIDS?"
"Burroughs was a 'legendary' but very controversial figure. Can you appreciate someone's art if their personal life was messy or dangerous?"

Deep Dive

The Bunker and the Legacy

Uncle Howard isn't just a biography; it's a rescue mission. Aaron Brookner’s journey to recover his uncle’s debut film, Burroughs: The Movie, takes him into 'The Bunker'—the windowless former YMCA locker room on the Bowery where William S. Burroughs lived. The footage he finds there is a revelation, showing a side of the famously cold author that few ever saw.

For parents, the value here is in the depiction of creative mentorship. We see Howard Brookner as a young, hungry director navigating a world of giants. But the film also serves as a stark reminder of the 'lost generation' of the 1980s. The transition from the vibrant, messy creativity of Howard's early career to the clinical, tragic end brought on by AIDS is handled with a grace that avoids being exploitative.

If you're accessing this via Kanopy, it’s a great pairing with a discussion on how we preserve digital vs. physical history. In an era where everything is 'in the cloud,' the physical struggle to find and restore a film negative feels like an ancient quest. It’s a slow burn, but for the right kid, it’s a profound look at what it means to be an artist.

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