Big Sur

Watch Big Sur 2l2a21

  • 1966
  • 3 min

"Big Sur" is a 2013 drama film directed by Michael Polish and based on the novel of the same name by Jack Kerouac. The movie tells the story of Kerouac's experiences in Big Sur, California, where he lived for a time in a cabin overlooking the Pacific Ocean in an attempt to escape the pressures of fame and the Beat Generation. The film opens with Kerouac, played by Jean-Marc Barr, struggling to cope with his newfound fame and the demands that it has placed on his life. As he increasingly isolates himself from his friends and colleagues, he begins to suffer from writer's block and turns to alcohol and drugs to ease his anxieties. 47395f

After a nervous breakdown, Kerouac retreats to the cabin in Big Sur to seek solace and inspiration. However, his time there is far from idyllic. The isolation and introspection force him to confront his own demons, including his struggles with alcoholism, his fears of failure, and his ambivalence towards the Beat lifestyle that he once championed.

As Kerouac withdraws from society, his friends and fellow writers, including Neal Cassady (Josh Lucas), Lawrence Ferlinghetti (Anthony Edwards), and Michael McClure (Balthazar Getty), begin to worry about his well-being, and they visit him at the cabin in an attempt to help him through his crisis.

The film is a sensitive and evocative portrait of a troubled artist grappling with the forces of his own creativity, the cult of personality that surrounds him, and the specter of his own mortality. Through exquisite cinematography, haunting music, and strong performances by the cast, "Big Sur" captures the beauty and tragedy of Kerouac's life and legacy.

Barr is excellent in the lead role, conveying both the charm and vulnerability of the real-life Kerouac. Lucas, Edwards, and Getty are equally impressive as the of the Beat circle, each bringing a unique perspective to their interactions with Kerouac.

One of the standout elements of the film is its use of the natural environment as a mirror for Kerouac's inner turmoil. The rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and majestic redwoods of Big Sur provide a stark contrast to the chaos and confusion that Kerouac feels inside.

The film's pacing can feel a bit slow at times, but this is intentional and reflects the meandering and introspective nature of Kerouac's writing. The filmmakers wisely resist the urge to sensationalize Kerouac's life or to mythologize his legacy, instead approaching him as a flawed and complex human being like any other.

In the end, "Big Sur" is a poignant and meditative film that offers a glimpse into the heart of one of America's most iconic writers. It is a must-see for fans of Kerouac, the Beat Generation, and anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.

Big Sur doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services, but watch free movies on Watch Now
Add this movie to your Watchlist to get notified when it's available.
Description
  • Release Date
    1966
  • Runtime
    3 min
  • Unlimited Movies Watch Unlimited Prime Video Movies
  • Watch Anywhere Anytime, Anywhere
  • Ad-free Ad-free Videos
Ad Info