"On the Road" a novel by Jack Kerouak, was a work ahead of its times. The book was the inspiration for the phenomenon that became known as the "beat generation". Kerouak became the high priest of that movement. The film based on the novel finally made it to the screen in a movie directed by Walter Salles, a Brazilian filmmaker, who had a success with his "Motorcycle Diaries". The adaptation is credited to Jose Rivera, who had collaborated with the director in the previously mentioned effort.
The adaptation tried to capture the essence of the book. This was the America of post WWIi, where the country was still elated by the European triumph. Restless Dean Moriarty meets Sal Paradise in New York. The two men bonded together and decided to take a trip to Denver. That episode gave Sal a taste for adventure. The vastness of a country with little traffic, great vistas and the promise of adventure took Sam to the road following his idol Dean into uncharted territory. Their travels were fueled by the drugs and liquor that were part of their discovery of a land neither knew well.
The casting of the two principals proves to be a disappointment. Garrett Hedlund does not convince, for that matter Sam Riley makes a weak Sal Paradise, who was Kerouak's alter ego in the book. The women in the lives of the two adventurers are a passing thought. KtistenStewart and Kristen Dunst have nothing to play in the picture. The best asset in the film is the fine cinematography of Eric Gautier who catches nuances in the American landscape where the action takes place. Gustavo Santaolalla music score is not as memorable as some of his previous efforts.
The adaptation tried to capture the essence of the book. This was the America of post WWIi, where the country was still elated by the European triumph. Restless Dean Moriarty meets Sal Paradise in New York. The two men bonded together and decided to take a trip to Denver. That episode gave Sal a taste for adventure. The vastness of a country with little traffic, great vistas and the promise of adventure took Sam to the road following his idol Dean into uncharted territory. Their travels were fueled by the drugs and liquor that were part of their discovery of a land neither knew well.
The casting of the two principals proves to be a disappointment. Garrett Hedlund does not convince, for that matter Sam Riley makes a weak Sal Paradise, who was Kerouak's alter ego in the book. The women in the lives of the two adventurers are a passing thought. KtistenStewart and Kristen Dunst have nothing to play in the picture. The best asset in the film is the fine cinematography of Eric Gautier who catches nuances in the American landscape where the action takes place. Gustavo Santaolalla music score is not as memorable as some of his previous efforts.