On The Road

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So Jack Kerouac's classic On The Road is soon to be released in UK cinema's, after what felt like years of waiting since the news of the adaptation first arose. After being introduced to the book from my mum, On The Road has since become one of my favourites, and the only book I've ever read more than once. It is one of the key texts from the Beat Generation and follows the journey and relationship of Kerouac and his muse Neal Cassady, represented by the characters Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty. The mostly-autobiographical novel sees Paradise hitch-hike back and forth across the United States (usually with Moriarty), whilst meeting a number of interesting characters along the way - each of which you get to know well through Kerouac's descriptive writing style. During their travels, the pair explore the limits of their freedom, through drink, sex and drugs, whilst enjoying the rhythms of 1950s underground American Jazz.

In the film adaptation, directed by Walter Salles, Sal Paradise is played by Sam Riley and Dean Moriarty by Garret Hedlund. While Kristen Stewart and Kirsten Dunst play the parts of Moriarty's love interests Marylou and Camille.

Often I don't find the film adaptations of my favourite books too great but I have high hopes for this one!! Definitely give it a watch - it's due for release October 12th!