Jack Kerouac’s seminal road trip novel was never going to make for an easy screen adaptation. Written in one breath with the rambling fuel of a methamphetamine buzz, it was arguably a novel with more style than substance, more philosophy than plot and more uppers, so to speak, than downers. As exciting as Sal Paradise and his best friend Dean Moriarty’s experiences were, it was basically a story about two dudes on their OE, in search of sex, drugs and jazz (it was the 1940s after all). More
Screenwriter Jose Rivera and director Walter Salles (who knows a thing or two about road movies, having directed The Motorcycle Diaries), needed to tap into the youthful spirit, sexual energy and vulnerability of the book’s characters in order to remain faithful, while accepting the sometimes superficial nature of the characters’ journey.
Miraculously, they manage it. Although it takes a while to warm to the gushing enthusiasm and close fellowship of the lead larrikins, it’s easy to get lost in the carefree quality of the film. It serves as a reminder of how sprawling the original narrative is, and how things inevitably bode well for the young men and not so for the women who were bound by their children and domestic responsibilities.
It’s also largely thanks to a (mostly) excellent cast. Garrett Hedlund effortlessly embodies the unbridled cool of the Moriarty character, a performance that will no doubt see him ascend to leading man status. Sam Riley as Sal Paradise not only looks the part, but exudes a natural combination of zest and nonchalance.
The weird interludes might test your patience – a dalliance with Amy Adams and Viggo Mortensen’s deranged characters adds little to the journey – and Kristen Stewart is as sullen and flat to watch as you’d expect. But Salles has done the book justice by creating a film about what it means to be young and hungry for life. Hide
Noice (but did K-Stewart HAVE to be in it??)
Hey- watch it, a lot of us very much like K.Stewart and think she has a promising career.
Def. seeing this one. great cast too. "promising career? that goes to Gerrett Hedland
Sunday afternoon, wet weather watch so I'm in
has posablities
cinematography
I'm pro Kristen Stewart but would watch this regardless. Looks great!
soooooooo want to see it! Give us a release date already!
They better play this at hoyts, because no little-time cinemas are around in CHCH anymore :(
The novel is magic. Looks like a good cast. Looking forward to it!
Favourite book, looks like an adaptation that will be loved by fans and newbies.
Would have preferred that "The Dharma Bums" was made into a movie instead
I read 'on the road' as a student nurse 30 years ago...Iloved the book. Can't wait to see this movie
Its quite a long flick where not a whole lot happens..drugs, sex, lots of driving and not a huge amount of character development.
You've got 140 characters...go!
i agree. why k Stewart. why