On the Road - the movie

Jack Kerouac's magnum opus was published in 1957, and despite numerous rumored attempts (Francis Ford Coppola obtained the rights 31 years ago), no film adaptation has been made - until now. Fifty-three years after the novel charmed the pants of the whole world and Kerouac became an overnight celebrity, On the Road, the movie, is filming!

It is hard not to chew on one's nails. On the Road is a novel that could translate beautifully to the big screen. Likewise, On the Road is a novel that might prove to be a complete disaster in its movie incarnation.  Walter Salles is directing, and José Rivera is the screenwriter. Coppola held onto it until he was sure he had the right people for the job, and that is more reassuring than anything. Dare we dare to say - this movie has the makings of a classic?

You can find an in-depth review of the script here. Apparently the movie begins with Sal's father passing away - something only briefly mentioned in the book - and goes on to follow Sal's friendship with Dean from the very beginning. Parts that appear to have been expanded include Marylou and Carlo Marx. The script supposedly includes a scene where Dean passes around a mug of coffee and benzedrines. Judging from this (not relayed in the novel) it seems the movie is going to be more focused on mood and characters than on fundamentally clinging to every single letter of the book, and of course that is applauded here at Madame Bovary's.

Garrett Hedlund is cast as Dean Moriarty. With his faux innocent smile and boyish good looks he seems like the perfect choice for Dean, the charming, fun loving con man.

Garrett's previous movies include Eragon, Death Sentence and Four Brothers.

Left: Garret Hedlund; right: Neal Cassady (Kerouac's inspiration for Dean)

Starring as Sal Paradise, Kerouac's alter ego, is Sam Riley.

Left: Jack Kerouac; right: Sam Riley

Riley doesn't look as handsome as Kerouac did in the 40's,  but he definitely fits the bill to be the same type - the melancholy, quiet drunk.

Carlo Marx (alter ego of Allen Ginsberg) is portrayed by Tom Sturridge, and Old Bull Lee (William Burroughs) is played by Viggo Mortensen (who really is a good actor) Kristen Stewart is cast as Dean's first wife Marylou. Her acting usually leaves a lot to be desired, but given that Marylou is supposed to be somewhat lost and confused it might work. Kirsten Dunst makes a (presumably small) appearance as Camille, Dean's second wife.

All in all, the cast is looking pretty good. The movie will be out in 2011, hopefully not too full of factual errors and misconceptions.