Young writer Sal Paradise has his life shaken by the arrival of free-spirited Dean Moriarty and his girl, Marylou. As they travel across the country, they encounter a mix of people who each impact their journey indelibly.
On the Road (2012)
On the Road (2012)
Film Review: On the Road (2012) – A Visually Lush but Uneven Journey
Walter Salles’ 2012 adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel On the Road is a visually immersive, ambitious film that attempts to capture the spirit of the Beat Generation. Starring Sam Riley as Sal Paradise (Kerouac’s alter ego), Garrett Hedlund as the magnetic and reckless Dean Moriarty, and Kristen Stewart as the free-spirited Marylou, the film dives into a whirlwind of postwar Americana—restless youth, jazz, drugs, and existential searching.
Story Summary: Set in the late 1940s, On the Road follows aspiring writer Sal Paradise, who becomes infatuated with the chaotic, free-living Dean Moriarty. The two set off on a series of cross-country road trips, meeting a range of colorful characters along the way. Their journeys span cities, deserts, jazz clubs, and bohemian hideaways, as they search for meaning, artistic inspiration, and personal liberation. Amid love affairs, heartbreak, and disillusionment, Sal documents the highs and lows of a generation hungry for authenticity and raw experience.
Cinematography and Atmosphere: The film’s greatest strength lies in its cinematography. Eric Gautier’s lens romanticizes the sprawling landscapes of America—dusty roads, smoky bars, sun-drenched deserts—creating a poetic visual rhythm that mirrors the characters’ inner turbulence. The soundtrack also deserves praise for grounding the film in its jazz-soaked era.
Performances: Garrett Hedlund delivers a compelling performance as Dean Moriarty, exuding charisma and raw unpredictability. Sam Riley brings a quieter, introspective energy to Sal, while Kristen Stewart breaks free from her Twilight image with a bold and uninhibited turn as Marylou. Viggo Mortensen, Amy Adams, and Kirsten Dunst also appear in memorable supporting roles.
Narrative and Pacing: Where the film struggles is in its pacing and emotional coherence. While Kerouac’s novel thrives on stream-of-consciousness spontaneity, that same quality makes the film feel episodic and at times directionless. It’s a series of moments rather than a cohesive narrative, which may leave some viewers disconnected.
Final Verdict: On the Road (2012) is a beautifully shot film with passionate performances and a clear reverence for its source material. However, it lacks the emotional depth and narrative drive needed to fully translate Kerouac’s literary energy to the screen. Fans of the novel and Beat literature may appreciate its aesthetic devotion, but others may find it more meandering than meaningful.
Rating: 3.5/5
