On The Road

In 2004 director Walter Salles brought us the brilliant South American road movie 'The Motorcycle Diaries'. He now compliments it with this North American road movie.
I was not familiar with the Jack Kerouac book on which this film is based. From what I have read it is a highly revered novel that redefined a generation. Sadly I do not think the film version will be as highly regarded as the book. As a script writer I understand how this form of writing works and how difficult it can be to convert the form of writing of a novel into a film script. sometimes the conversion is not successful. Many have criticised the film for not capturing the spirit of the book and I tend to agree. I was unsure of the point of the film. Why these young people were the way they were and what they were hoping to achieve by endlessly traveling across America. I understand that they are 'rebelling against the system' but I got the impression that there should have been more to it than that. Walter Salles direction is excellent and the characters do have some interest but because the story has no real purpose, the film can be quite boring. The numerous driving scenes are broken up by visits to some fascinating characters but when the lead characters are not the greatest then you come to care less and less about their journey.
Sam Reilly was excellent as Ian Curtis in the film 'Control', but since then he has not done anything of great note. He is a rather bland character here and only plays a typical writer. Someone who is trailing along in the wake of a more interesting character in the hope of finding material for his book. Garrett Hedlund is excellent as the free spirited Dean. His deep booming voice suits the sweet talking character. Garrett has more to work with and so can sink his teeth into the character better. I think this is one of Kristen Stewart's better roles. I like how she is trying to break away from the stereotype that Hollywood wants to place her in. The film also has some great cameo appearances from a few familiar faces. My favourite was Amy Adams and Viggo Mortensen as a very weird couple.
Fans of the book are probably going to be disappointed with everyone else wondering what the fuss is all about.