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Does the film do justice to American writer Jack Kerouac’s cult tale of an epic road trip? Many will argue not. However, car lovers won’t be disappointed by the classic 1940/50s cars on display.
And the attractive cast is easy on the eye too. But it gives the movie a slick coat of Hollywood gloss that sits at odds with its source. Kerouac’s semi-autobiographical tale follows hopeful writer Sal Paradise (Sam Riley) on his road trip across America with mischievous friend Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund) and his 16-year-old “chick” wife Marylou (Kristen Stewart).
Dean is a womaniser – and more naked than clothed in the film – indulging in constant sexual escapades on both sides of the fence. Dean divorces the sexy Marylou for more stable student Camille (Kirsten Dunst), but continues an on/off again relationship with Marylou.
Sal idolises Dean, observing him intently and eventually gains the courage to map out his own tangent journey. At the end of the movie, we are left with Sal as a successful writer inspired by his spontaneous travels, while Dean is dumped in a state of disillusionment, his lifestyle a blockade to his future.
The film depicts the essence of the beat generation – youth searching for truth in literature, jazz music, drugs and alternative sexuality. The beautiful landscape captured through the window of a car is no surprise from cinematographer Eric Gautier – who also worked on Into the Wild and A Christmas Tale.
A younger audience may connect with the good-looking cast, especially Twilight franchise’s Kristen Stewart as Marylou. However, those looking for a faithful rendition of Kerouac's generation-defining novel will find the glossy Hollywood cast and formulaic dialogue a letdown. Our advice: forget the meaning – or any search for it – and watch for the car fun. The Sydney Film Festival runs from the 6-17 June 2012.
