After I picked myself up off the floor, I did some furtling and found that there was quite a bit of talk surrounding this project in August 2005. The movie rights to On The Road have been owned by Francis Ford Coppola since 1979. At long last, in 2005, Coppola found the desired director, Walter Salles, who directed The Motorcycle Diaries. Published in 1957, On the Road presents Kouriac's journeys around America and Mexico. Salles said in 2005: "On the Road is a seminal book that gave voice to a whole generation - capturing its hunger for experience, unwillingness to accept imposed truths and dissatisfaction with the status quo... It is as modern today as it was four decades ago." The screenwriter is apparently Jose Rivera who also worked with Salles on The Motorcycle Diaries.
There is a previous Jake Gyllenhaal link: At the end of that other road movie, Highway, beloved Pilot and Jack (Jared Leto) quoted some lines from On The Road.
So, here's another rumour to add to the many about Jake's next project but, whether this one comes to anything or not, it shows that Jake is out there, going for the good roles and, by the sound of it, this is recent. Jake would be great in this and Salles could be another of those directors Jake would want to work with.
Includes pictures from IHJ.
66 comments:
WDW - I would love, love, love to see Jake in this! I had been thinking about this just the other day, because I'd remembered hearing a rumor about a movie being made about the life of Jack Kerouac awhile back. It came to mind when we were talking about the Dylan movie, and talking about roles for Jake. Let's keep our fingers crossed, I think he'd be fantastic in this! :)
Oh, I hope it does happen! That would be great for Jake. Damn, this is an interesting rumor!
Hi Marina - Absolutely! Jake would be great in this and he would be so memorable in it. This must have been recent if Jamie went for the role.
You really left me speechless for a moment.
There were some rumours surrounding Jake on another board some time ago but it faded away and I forced myself to forget it...
I agree with Marina, this would be to good for words. Lets keep everything crossed for Jake saying "yes"...
Hi Get Real - yep, this is a very interesting rumour, made more so because it's mentioned in an aside in an interview, with no reason for it to be wrong or misleading. Dates would be good though!
Carla you and me both! I was just reading through the papers on the way home and this made me sit up with a jolt! If Jake was offered the role and Jamie was sent away.... Fingers crossed. This would be a great vehicle for Jake.
Hi WDW I wag my tail in greeting and go woof woof woof happily when you come home: I know there will be goodies galore.
One thing that would concern me about On The Road would be the homosexuality; without it, the story would be deprived of much of the "beat" consciousnes - Jake would make a great Dean Moriarity, charismatic and good looking and a trouble maker but if I were his agent I would say, no way, man.
Id hate to see the novel drained of its juices. But gosh, creative minds seem to have grasped the Dylan stance "hey, Im invisible. . ." and played with it beautifully.
Dont see it, myself, but whaddo I know?
from Wikopeda on Neal Cassidy (Dean Moriarity of On The Road)
"An upcoming film, Luz Del Mundo, will deal with Cassady's friendship and adventures with Jack Kerouac. Cassady will be played by Austin Nichols and Kerouac will be played by Will Estes."
Date of above not clear.
Wikipedia. haste makes waste
Hi Positively pia - now that's a turn up for the books, Austin playing Cassady! So is this the same project or not? If Jamie said this in an interview, it has to have been recent. I can't believe he would have gone for this role any longer ago than a year. Of course, it may all have fallen flat since but it would probably post-date the Wiki page.
apparently it's a diffrent project and the date is not clear.
Austin did an interesting job in Deadwood as Morgan Earp - speaking of quicksilver! interesting actor!
reminded me of Chris Walken.
I hope an agent wouldn't be that narrow-minded to focus on only homosexuality. The Beat Consciousness was so much more; music, poetry, spirituality, and questioning the way things were, and yes being a free spirit, maybe we romanticize that. So much history, I think it's a story that should be told. Has a film ever been done about Jack Kerouac before? This is a huge role; someone will grab it in a second, I feel. I hope it's our guy! Just my HO. :)
I agree with you completely, Marina - there's a lot more to this project than homosexuality and I wuld have thought a good script would reflect that. I hope that Jake has not been warned off it for this reason - it would be such a great role. This is an important book.
Positively pia - this is just fascinating and shows what a smal world it is yet again. I haven't seen Deadwood yet - I don't believe it was on 'normal' TV in the UK but it just came out on DVD here a few days ago.
Ahem. I see I will be an alternate voice in this matter Will everybody who has read On The Road raise their hands. Will everybody who has read Carolyn Cassidy's Off The Road raise their hands.
Jake go home! Dont touch it!
On the other hand, Austin, you've got a flair for the effed up nervous type doomed anti-hero. GO for it!
Whaddo I know -
Hey Positively Pia - always good to hear different perspctives, so carry on! I can raise my hand to On The Road but not to the other, also I love The Motorbike Diaries (I'm a bit of a biker myself) and went pillion around California. I just like road movies. I guess I'm just biased! But I do like to see a debate here.
Pia :)
I have a thing for the non-conforming types (being one myself), so quite naturally I was hoping to be sitting at rapt attention in the theatre watching Jake play a different Jack. Oh well *sigh* lol There's always Dylan in I'm Not There.
I'm glad we all can share our opinions. :)
I know you like to see debate, WDW, and love you for this!
Keroac, a troubled and repressed French=Canadian working class young man (he always said, Im not a "Beatnik", Im a Catholic") who was iconicized (is this a word?) by intellectuals - (some, such as Ginsberg, whose work, by the way, I love and admire) - had gifts, as a writer, but his gifts, IMHO, were not MINED amd encouraged. Both JK and Cassidy, in my opinion, were USED in re-igniting a modern Walt Whitman On The Road consciousness, which is fine - USAans are really good at making up stuff - haha! - but tnis is basically Allen's trip, not JK's, who emdured a life of considerable suffering: will this be portrayed in a film?
USAans are not great, as are the Brits, in dealing with class amd gender stuff. Would a Brazilian director be more sensitive, I wonder? As Ang was able to "take on" the USAan Western Myth (and hey, there, hello Annie! who is the one who first took it on) who is able to take on the On The Road myth? (rest assured, it will be a woman!)
JKeroac was, apparently. gay - his life points to this - okay, let's deal with it Had an ongoing relationship with Allen, was transfixed by KL amd also the charistmatic Neal Cassidy. )Or, maybe, all Western men contain this ambiguity I believe we do not yet understand this.)
Well, as you might guess, I have attitudes about this generation of guys. The strong and enduring poets were Ginberg and Gary Snyder. They were not saints!
Who is? Allen "set up" JK as a sorta modern Whitman who was, also, an On The Road guy.
Thats okay. We iconicize (is this a word?) You Know Who.
Is there a writer who could "deliver" a script that would not romanticize this generation but really address the class and gender issues? Yes, I bet there is!
Should Jake be involved? We were ready for Brokeback. I dunno about this one.
thanks dear ones for putting up with my stuff contra romanticizing the beats.
I, too. have a thing for the non-conforming type.
Pia, some great points and questions to think about for a film such as this. :)
Hi Pasionately pia- this is interesting stuff, about how a non USA voice can take on these genres and give them new voice. I'm thinking Ang and Sense and Sensibility and Ishiguro's Remains of the Day here. I know that Keroac did not share all the sentiments of the generation that he was later held up as representing and this has been 'iconicised' as you say. At thi stage of the game, it;s impossible to tell the angle - wouldn't mind reading the script ;D
Thanks Pia and Marina *)
Maybe too serious, Marina? do I think I'm Jake's Mom, or whut? he laughed when asked if he was influenced by hit parents.
No, not too serious at all, Pia. You gave me some things to think about, that's a good thing! Perhaps I romanticize too much. I do like the idea of the non-US perspective too, Pia and WDW. Both Sense and Sensibility and Remains of the Day were wonderful, I thought. What happens with On the Road should be interesting. :)
Interesting points, all. It's been over 40 years since I read On the Road and all I remember is one of the characters, don't recall which one, answers the door stark naked. And they spent some time in Denver, which is where I live. If the film is ever made, I hope they do come to Denver. And bring Jake with them whether he's in it or not.
"Hi WDW I wag my tail in greeting and go woof woof woof happily when you come home: I know there will be goodies galore."
Pia I feel just the same way except that I do this when I wake up in the morning. Alas I have to enjoy my goodies alone as WDW is asleep at that hour and can't hear my happy woofing!
This has been a fascinating discussion. I know very little about it but I'm motivated to start digging around on the net to enlighten myself. That's what Jake and Jake lovers do to me.
And Beckela whoever does whatever should take Jake along wherever, I mean wherever we are (that's a lot of travelling for Jake considering how scattered we all are) and let all of us behold his beauty in person. Feeling kind of shallow this morn!!! And Jake-starved...
Very very interesting points Pia, I can see you know the matter well, but as a non-American (I'm Italian)and barely speaking English to post comments on 'some' blog I like about my favourite 'subject', I have to say that I'd be enthusiastic to see Jake portraiting (and hopefully even reinterpreting) one of the most lasting mith in American culture.
Yes, miths have often their shades and their 'forcings' (and miths are so my cup of tea as a classical literature studious ;)) but I thing that if there's one actor who can scratch the surface and let us see the contradictions of 'iconazing' as you say, or idolizing (yes, just like with do with him :)) Jake is the one.
And maybe a foreign (good) director can pull away with much more ease the romaticism that a nation buids around his origins and let us see a different point of view...
Plus, the bottom line is : I wanna see Jake accepting a part!!:D
Incognita: Feeling kind of shallow this morn!!! And Jake-starved...
You are not alone, Incognita! Imagine the feeding frenzy when Rendition premieres in Toronto shortly -- and Jake comes out of hiding!
If On the Road is filmed, I, like you, Pia, hope the script is honest and doesn't attempt to diefy the beats. I remember the 60s and they, too, were not quite as some would have us believe.
Austin's Cassady movie Luz Del Mundo was a short film (intended to raise funds and interest for a full-length movie) dealing with a later episode in Cassady's life.
If there was ever a movie made with Austin as Cassady and Jake as Kerouac, directed by Walter Salles and preferably with a Gustav score thrown in (I'm not really demanding, am I) I WOULD NEVER EVER LEAVE THE THEATRE - NOT EVER :)
Awww, Jamie Bell :) - "On The Road" is quintessential Americana, though - not sure any British actor could nail it.
Really interesting stuff, Pia, beckela and xenia.
(I must read Caroline Cassady's book).
Pia,
Ginsberg as the Warhol of his generation, discuss :)
If you can't join them, manipulate them?
Hi everybody :) Thanks for the comments. I would hope that should this project take off, it wouldn't romanticise, and maybe, as Xenia and Marina say, a foreign director and an outside perspective might be what is needed. I hope they get to Denver for you, though Beckela - after all, authenticity is everything... ;)
Xenia - your English is great :)
Incognita - hi! So many time zones here. Yep, definitely Jake-starved. But Toronto is so close now.
Ahhh Anouska the Dreamer and Muser I fear that if such a film were made, I would worry for your health. It might be too much for you.. *)
:D :D Try me *
Thank you for Pilot also - always a pleasure.
If there was ever a movie made with Austin as Cassady and Jake as Kerouac, directed by Walter Salles and preferably with a Gustav score thrown in (I'm not really demanding, am I) I WOULD NEVER EVER LEAVE THE THEATRE - NOT EVER :)
Don't worry A., I'll bring you regular food parcels! ;)
I need to re-read On the Road. I don't remember enough to meaningfully participate in this discussion! I have studied 60's culture/counter-culture, but wasn't around for the real thing. :)
ARE YOU IMPLYING WE WERE? :D :D
Yeah, Ruby, huh? Think we dont know how to READ, huh? :) :) :)
Ruby - me too ;)
Finally Anouska the Final - How I love Pilot! Definitely a good one for a late Saturday night.
ARE YOU IMPLYING WE WERE?
calm down, anouska the youthful! :D
beckela says she remembered the 60's and they are not how they are represented and I was saying I don't remember them but have studied them! Nothing else was implied! :D
Oh, yes, forgot to say: I Heart Pilot! :)
Oh dear Ruby - what have you started? ;)
Ruby - I was thinking of you when I put the Pilot pics up as I know how much you love him - me too.
I think Anouska the Youthful will have calmed down after she's had her afternoon nap...
Oh blimey, just seen PIA's comment!!
Apology Martinis are on me then!
:*
Well, I may be the only one here that WAS around during the infamous 60s -- but you all certainly keep me young!
Oops -- forgot to include Jake's keeping me young, too!
Hey Ruby - can I have a Cosmo?
Hey Beckela - we'll all be feeling a lot younger when we've had some of Ruby's cocktails followed by a Jake movie marathon. I'm actually feeling quite ancient today as I have a cold :(
Poor WDW! No fun, but nothing lots of Jaking won't cure! :-) Feel better.
Hey Ruby - can I have a Cosmo?
Of course. That would be my preference too. :)
Gotta get to work, but before this convo closes down, no, Beckela, you're not the only one who was around in the sixties. :) :}
Also, I knew Allen G, who was a sweet, gentle, compassionate, extremely courageaous man and a great poet.
To get an honest script out of this time would be a real hoot - but I honestly think we oughtta keep our boys out of it.
on the other hand, let's see what they do with Im Not There.
You may be right, Pia. But I do trust Jake's choices. Heath's, not so much. I am a bit skeptical about I'm Not There, actually. But I promise to reserve judgment until I see it.
Respect to Pia.
Sympathies to WDW.
I must apologise to everyone for sneezing my way through the comments - I hope it's not catching... Thanks for the sympathies. The cosmos and martinis should do the trick - not to mention Public Holiday on Monday declared a national day of Jaking.
Well, Opinionated Pia - I can only echo Anouska - and Respect to you :) To have known Allen G... :)
Anouska *)
Hey Beckela - I agree with you that Heath has made some very dodgy choices, so much so that there are films of his I have absolutely no desire to see, but I have a really good feeling about I'm Not There.
Maybe if we look at On the Road as a quest it will give us a slightly different perspective, and pull together some of the themes we've all touched on here.
James Joyce once said his writing was all about finding that "peak experience" or that "epiphany" of meaning which gives us that "aha" moment about life. Maybe we could look at On the Road as a snapshot of that kind of quest in the US in the 60's--which really has its counterpart everywhere in the world, and in every time period.
Every generation goes looking for that meaning and tears through cars, sex, music, drugs, and all the other available avenues to find what we're starved for--Dean's father (our source of life, whatever that is)or that magical moment in the heights of passion when we "slip the surly bonds of earth and touch the face of God."
Jake would make a great Wetdarkand wild Dean, or a great idealistic Sal; and there are so many themes here worthy of his attention, I can't imagine he'd turn this down if it really happens.
"Maybe we could look at On the Road as a snapshot of that kind of quest in the US in the 60's--which really has its counterpart everywhere in the world, and in every time period."
You are so right about that universality cutting across time and space Kim. Which is one good reason to want to see Jake in there.
"if there's one actor who can scratch the surface and let us see the contradictions of 'iconazing' as you say, or idolizing (yes, just like with do with him :)) Jake is the one."
I think that was insightful Xenia -- who would know better than Jake about this! And I agree about a director from outside being able to strip away the myth and de-romanticize it so to say.
Yes, Beckela, I, too, trust Jake's choices! His instincts as I've said before are AMAZING - (insert clip from Conan show)
Kim, interesting comments! Yes, in all times and climes - lookin' for the source of life, aka "the face of God" (Bob Dylan) etceetc.
Some of you seem to be Austin Nichols fans.
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2007/08/24/austin-nichols-mugshot/#comments
Thinking about "source of life" - how Ginsberg with his motherly kindness and open sexuality was a source of life to his lovers - and how the energetic animal energy of men like Neal C and Jack K was "source of life" to men like Ginsberg (and Walt Whitman. . . a fellow traveler "on the road")
Jake as "source of life" to the many who love him. A combination of animal energy, intelligence, and kindness?
Bob Dylan, on the other hand - he's something else! But whut?
Kim - thanks for that great comment. It really is true that stories such as that can be valid for each generation and each thinks it's doing it for the first time, not having the memories of the parents. And so the same mistakes are made and the same fun had. There is a lot of scope with a project like this, would Jake be in the present? or looking back? I do like the idea. Thanks for makig me think about it :)
Hi Incognita - I'm glad our timezones have finally synced, albeit briefly. Thanks for commenting *)
Anon - thanks very much for the link - there are lots of Austin fans here I'm sure :D That's bad news though :( I hope he's OK and it was just a youthful blip, and that he's learned his lesson. Mother Hen WDW coming out here...
Jake as a combination of animal energy, intelligence, and kindness? - absolutely perfect Positively Pia - what an expression... I love it!
Thanks for your sensitivity, WDW.
Not a problem, Sad Anouska *)
Hi folks, hi WDW and "Bless you!" (take lots of Zinc and Vitamin C!).
I'm going to be uncharacteristically brief(!) on this one because I haven't read "On The Road" and a quick furtle around the internet(you can't beat a good furtle!)has afforded me only a vague impression of the characters and the general drift of the story.
As it is held as a seminal work in American literature and Coppola now has an enticing director on board, I could see Jake being VERY interested in taking on a role in this film and I am pretty desperate to hear that he has signed up to another film replete with exciting possibilities,whatever it might be!!
Whichever way he decides to jump on this one, I've got enough faith in his judgement, given his excellent track record, that his decision will be the right one.
Pia, your "source of life" post about Jake was fantastic!
The Highway photos you posted,WDW (Jake looks so cute and quirky!) and the way you and others rave about Pilot (a dear friend of mine in America has recently raved about this film too)have made me determined to buy the only Jake movie I don't yet have (except for City Slickers)and find out what I've been missing!
Rambling by most standards, but short for me! Adios amigas :-)
Nadine - Pilot is the most adorable Jake character. Totally endearing pot-head. Love him. Love him.
*hugs Sad A and WDW*
Let's see, Roberta Maxwell could play Jack K's mother, and Michelle Williams could play Carolyn Cassidy - I think Jake oughtta play Ginsberg.
Sorry, I couldnt resist: WDW will be home soon and I'll behave. woof woof.
opionated? well not quite.
opinionated. sorry. it's a funny looking word
Found this on IHJ.
A Hollywood film of On the Road is also under way, produced by Francis Ford Coppola and directed by The Motorcycle Diaries director Walter Salles. Carolyn Cassady, who features in the book and who had an affair with Kerouac in the 1950s, is the last surviving member of his circle. Now 84, Ms Cassady said yesterday from her home in Berkshire: "Jack was a warm and kind man – and very romantic, too. But he always said he was the great 'rememberer' – but only if he had written his thoughts down in a little notebook.
"In On the Road he said that I was 'picked up in a bar and taken to a hotel and that's how Neal [Cassady] met me'. But I've never been to a bar by myself – which is something I take umbrage over." She added that Kirsten Dunst has been lined up to play her character in the film.
http://arts.independent.co.uk/books/news/article2814743.ece
thanks anon!
I think of Bob Dylan's line, "stick with me baby things are going to get interesting right about now. . . "
alot happening in tis world of ours!
Hi everyone - I'm runing so late with everything today :(
Nadine - thanks for another gem. I'm taking vitamin C via the grapes in my Californian Merlot. I've heard zinc's good for other things.... I digress (so easily!)
I will admit to being desperate to see Jake all safely signed up to a new project. And do see Highway. It took me a while as I don't normally enjoy Young Jake so much but this just charmed me to pieces. Jake is irresistible - as is Pilot.
O'pionated Pia - I'm late today posting and you have to humour me for my post as I'm not feeling too well :P I'm hoping alcohol will make me get over it ;)
Anon - thanks very much for that interesting snippet! Wouldn't it be funny if Kirsten were in it too? Or does this talk stem from the says when maybe Jake and Kirsten tried out for this project together. Or just a coincidence? (That link isn't working for me so thanks for quoting the story).
Pia You're very philosophical tonight and indeed it's true.
Hi there WDW and everyone :)
Boy did I miss a great discussion. Not that I remember enough of On The Road to contribute to the talk, but I will remedy that soon enough.
It would be nuts for me not to read this again, especially if Jake is thinking of signing on to the project.
What I do remember post brain damage, leads me to hope this book to film translation will be given its due, and not trifled with at all.
I can't believe I was reading some ideas, on how to approach the translation of this book to film, online last month, but with none of my present knowledge of casting rumors or potential actors.
There is so much news online about everyone in the business recently; from celebutantes like Nichole and Paris, to "A" list actors like Jake, Heath and others in their category.
I read earlier today on one film site that Heath's new film would not have its screening last night, (8/24) nor would it screen its' next two scheduled showings either.
That's certainly not usually good news; there are most likely serious problems when press screenings aren't done.
I was looking forward to reading about this film at Cannes, but the director wasn't finished; now it's reported the company is not going to screen it as per schedule before TFF.
Harvey Weinstein states that he is going to open it slowly in four theaters; two theaters here--one theater will be the Film Forum-- and two theaters in LA.
I will try to see it if and when it comes to the Film Forum and make a report.
Another columnist also posted about bad blood between cast members and Harvey W.
Who knew; Harvey has bad blood with some cast members...what else can happen.;);)
I did read that he was positive Cate Blanchett would get an Oscar nomination for her acting in this film; so who knows:)
arrrrghhh!
xoxoxo
sass
Not knowing much about On The Road or having read it, I agree with everyone that this does sound like a good role for Jake. Since I'm somewhat bilingual, and Kerouac was french Canadian, I happen to find a very old Canadian news video interview last night with him talking about some of his writings, his family, and about On The Road. I also noticed from IMDb, it say's the On The Road film is slated for 2009 and it will also be in black and white.
Sass - I think were both following the same sites regarding I'm Not There, LOL ;) I have been researching about it from the very beginning, and I'm afraid those of us who really want to see I'm Not There such as myself.....we probably won't. The site you mentioned about the screenings being cancelled before the TIFF....It also went on to say as follows, "that everyone will have to wait until Sept. 11 which is when the first official TIFF press screening will happen, which is just a day before the first public screening".
I believe after its NY and LA premieres on Nov. 21st, Weinstein said 100 US cities will get to see it as well too I believe. The NY and LA screenings on Nov. 21st will be a major factor into how many theatres will get to see this elsewhere. So, I'm really hoping that NY and LA will go to the theatre and see I'm Not There so it will hopefully improve our chances as well.
Sass, here is the Film Forum link below and they already have the dates and times it will be showing, and you can also buy your tickets for it right online on their site. It will only be playing for 2 weeks only, on 2 screens at the Film Forum. The Lincoln Plaza Cinemas (NY) will share the premiere at the same time too as well I believe. It also so happens that I'm Not There will be at the NY Film Festival (Sept.28-Oct.14). So, hopefully if nothing changes in the meantime, hope your able to see it at one of those 3 NY screenings.
http://www.filmforum.org/films/imnotthere.html
I've heard that Weinstein has had issues or "words" with actors or directors other times as well. I certainly hope none of that will hurt INT. I think Weinstein is also putting more emphasis on Cate's role in the movie (since she looks more like Dylan than perhaps the rest of the cast), moreso than the rest of the cast. Which I feel is a bit unfair to the rest of the cast in a way. But who knows, perhaps its justified and Cate's role is more the lead Dylan role.
It's just unfortunate that when its unconventional indie movies like this, that NY and LA get a better chance seeing these movies than other countries and especially rural areas. Weinstein is also pushing hard for Cate to get an Oscar nom (which I'm sure she'd deserve by the sound of things) and it has to play in the same LA theatre for 7 consecutive days for it to be considered.
Sass, I look forward to hearing that you got to see INT in NY....Good Luck!
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