Sydney Film Festival - Film Review - On the Road

On the Road - Sam Riley (l) and Garrett Hedlund (r)

Film director, Walter Salles has brought Jack Kerouac's prominent novel to the screen with an excellent period piece set in America during the immediate years following World War II.  The story centres around aspiring New York writer Sal Paradise (actor Sam Riley) who meets and is befriended by the overly charming and beguiling ex-con Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedund). Together with Dean's young wife Marylou (Kristen Stewart) they embark on a series of adventures to experience the world, other people and ultimately discover themselves. The format for the film is a well established 'road' movie with a recognised 'coming of age' tale. The character of Dean is one of ultimate narcissism and he uses, abuses and betrays all of his friends, lovers and associates including Sal. Prominent cast members include contemporary female acting favourites Kirsten Dunst and Kristen Stewart with the lead male roles expertly handled by Sam Riley and Garrett Hedlund. Although hard to follow at times due to constant location changes (are they arriving or leaving a place?), its a competent film although not to the same standard as Walter Salles other road film, The Motorcycle Diaries.