Howard (2018)
Story overview
Howard is a 2018 documentary that celebrates the life and work of Howard Ashman, the brilliant lyricist behind beloved Disney musicals like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Through archival footage and interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, the film explores his creative genius, his battle with AIDS, and his lasting impact on musical storytelling. It's an inspiring tribute that highlights both his artistic contributions and personal resilience.
Parent Guide
A thoughtful documentary suitable for families with children ages 8+. It handles mature themes with sensitivity while celebrating artistic achievement.
Content breakdown
No violence or peril depicted. The film discusses illness but shows no violent content.
Mildly disturbing themes related to terminal illness and death. Discussions of AIDS and mortality are present but handled with dignity. No graphic medical imagery.
No offensive language. Professional and respectful dialogue throughout.
No sexual content or nudity. The film mentions Ashman's relationship with his partner but shows nothing explicit.
No depiction of substance use. Focus is entirely on creative work and personal history.
Moderate emotional intensity due to themes of illness, death, and creative struggle. Uplifting moments balance the sadder aspects. The overall tone is celebratory and inspiring.
Parent tips
This documentary is appropriate for most families with children ages 8 and up. It deals with mature themes including terminal illness (AIDS) and death, but does so respectfully without graphic content. The film celebrates creativity, perseverance, and the power of art. Parents may want to watch with younger children to discuss the historical context of the AIDS epidemic and Ashman's legacy.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- Did you like the music in the movie?
- What was your favorite song?
- Can you draw a picture of something musical?
- What did Howard Ashman create that you recognize?
- How do you think he came up with ideas for songs?
- What makes a good song lyric?
- How did Howard's work change Disney movies?
- What challenges did he face in his career?
- Why is his story important to tell?
- How does this documentary portray the AIDS crisis of the 1980s-90s?
- What does Ashman's legacy teach us about art and mortality?
- How did his personal life influence his professional work?
🎭 Story Kernel
The film expresses the tragic paradox of creative genius: Howard Ashman poured his soul into crafting stories of transformation and belonging ('The Little Mermaid,' 'Beauty and the Beast') while his own identity and body were being ravaged by AIDS. It's not just a biography but a meditation on legacy—how art created in the shadow of mortality becomes immortal. The driving force isn't ambition but urgency; his final songs are love letters to a world he was leaving, making 'Part of Your World' and 'Kill the Beast' profoundly personal anthems of longing and defiance.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The visual language masterfully blends archival intimacy with animated magic. Home videos and personal photos create a raw, vulnerable texture, often placing Ashman in domestic spaces that contrast with his cinematic scale. Intercutting storyboard sequences and animation tests directly mirrors his creative process—we see ideas morph into icons. A subdued, sometimes melancholic color palette in live-action segments gives way to the vibrant hues of his animated worlds, visually underscoring the escape and legacy his work provided. The camera lingers on faces during interviews, capturing unspoken grief and admiration.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
The documentary is directed by Don Hahn, who produced 'Beauty and the Beast' and worked closely with Ashman. Much of the archival footage came from Ashman's personal circle, including his partner Bill Lauch. A key interview features composer Alan Menken playing demos at the piano Ashman used, adding a layer of authentic, emotional resonance. The film was initially a passion project for Hahn, taking years to secure full cooperation from Disney and Ashman's family to tell the unvarnished story.
Where to watch
Choose region:
- Disney Plus
Trailer
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