ON THE ROAD

ON THE ROAD

The seminal 1950’s beat classic ‘ON THE ROAD’ has been adapted for the screen by Jose Rivera and directed by Brazilian Walter Salles (motorcycle diaries), executive produced by Francis Ford Coppola. Starring British born Sam Riley (Control), Kristen Stewart (Twilight saga, The Runaways), Garrett Hedlund (Tron) and Kirsten Dunst (Melancholia) Tom Sturridge (The Boat That Rocked).

In the first completed adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s ‘On the road’. It has long been said the book was inspired by a rambling thousand-word letter from close friend Neal Cassady (author of The first third). Based on a sort of truth turned examination into the creative process, Kerouac made notes as he went on his expansive road trip, turning his notes into spontaneous prose and unconscious streams of thought which played out like a John Coltrane jazz improvisation. He wrote the novel in three weeks (almost as long as one Coltranes' tracks) typing continuously onto a 120ft sheet of paper it was this process of working that became synonymous with Kerouac’s work. And a blue print for a generation of artists from poets to filmmakers the work of John Cassavetes being a prime example of beat movie making.

Carlo Marx was based on Allen Ginsberg.

Old Bull Lee was based on William S.Burroughs.

Sal Paradise was based on Jack Kerouac.

Dean Moriarty was based on Neal Cassady.

Sam Riley - Sal Paradise

Garrett Hedlund - Dean Moriarty

Kristen Stewart - Marylou

Tom Sturridge - Carlo Marx

Viggo Mortensen - Old Bull Lee

Kirsten Dunst - Camille


Due for release in the autumn.