On The Road

I read Jack Kerouac's "On The Road" several times in my life. The first time was in High School, when I needed to write an essay on a book of my choice.  The first time I read it, I can't say I was "amazed." I was too young with no real experience behind me to evaluate such a phenomenal novel against.  A few years later I saw  "Heart Beat," a film released in 1980 before I graduated. Once again my interest peaked and I pulled my copy out and read it again.  This time with some life experience I could read it in a new light. This time I could "see" more of what Dean and Sal a bit more from their perspective.  


Later in the early 90's after settling down and having time to reflect after the last 10 years of insanity that I called my life, and the amount of miles I put on myself and my poor 86 Charger (200,000 miles in just over 4 years) I could see what Jack Kerouac envisioned.  This year (2012) sometime, MK2 Productions is releasing "On The Road." No date is scheduled, however, I just saw the trailer, which stars Sam Riley as Sal Paradise whom in the book is told from his point of view.Dean Moriarty, the main character, is played by Garrett Hedlund ("TRON: Legacy"). Kirsten Stewart ("Twilight" series, "The Runaways") plays the ditzy Marylou, Dean's first wife. 

Also listed in the cast are Kirsten Dunst,Viggo Mortensen, Amy Adams, Alice Braga, and 
Steve Buscemi.  Also coming out this December is F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby."  So if 2012 isn't remembered for the apocalypse, then perhaps the audience will rember 2012 as  the year that the great literary giants Fitzgerald, and Kerouac, had their novels come again to the big screen and a new generation will take inspiration from Jay and Dean.