Tag: beat generation

Heart Beat

Heart Beat is a 1980 movie directed by John Byrum.

Heart Beat tells the story of the relationship between Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassady and Carolyn Cassady. Nick Nolte plays the iconic Beat Generation muse, while John Heard portrays Kerouac and Sissy Spacek is Carolyn. While the story attempts to capture the intimacy of a complicated relationship, the movie does a disservice to the vibrancy and pulsing energy of Cassady found in Kerouac’s writing.

THE BEST – Jazz and Cars

Kerouac’s sprawling On the Road is considered an unfilmable novel, at least given its non-linear path and deep spiritual and metaphysical yearnings. However, in a pure visual sense – Kerouac’s book can be boiled down to jazz and cars. The characters furiously race across the country in stolen vehicles and channel their co-opted spirits in dope-steeped jazz clubs.

At least compared to the pale 2012 movie version of On the Road, Byrum manages to remember these basic tenants. The cars look fantastic and while the energy suffers, at least we see Cassady and Kerouac in clubs idolizing their heroes.

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Shadows

Shadows is a 1958 movie directed by John Cassavetes.

WHAT HAPPENS?

Young Lelia navigates love and interracial relationships, while her brother Hugh struggles with a fledgling singing career. Their brother, Benny, is a hipster that finds himself between cultures.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Shadows is a lyrical interpretation of race set in 1950’s beat New York City.

THE ACTORS

Cassavetes’ cast features largely novice actors, who deliver raw energy that’s fitting with the movie’s DIY style. They can struggle with the weight of the rich dialogue but still convey honest emotion. Lelia Goldoni’s Lelia is the best example. She expresses the confusion and hurt of sexual relations, then later learns how to manipulate men. It’s a delicate, interesting performance.

The rest of the featured actors play one-note characters. Hugh Hurd’s Hugh is a volatile singer who refuses to acknowledge his outdated style. Anthony Ray’s Tony is a pseudo-intellectual who doesn’t grasp the impact his actions have on Lelia. Rupert Crosse is the most impressive actor of the group – he easily handles the nuance of Cassavetes’ dialogue.

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