The Last Time I Committed Suicide (1997)

User Rating:

5.7/10   

Director:

Stephen T. Kay

Writers:

Neal Cassady (letter)
Stephen T. Kay (writer)

Release Date:

20 June 1997 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Life is what happens when you're busy making plans

Plot:

Neal Cassady is living the beat life during the 1940s, working at The Tire Yard and and philandering around town...

Plot Keywords:

Picket Fence | 1940s | Tire | Female To Male Footsie Playing | Policeman

Cast

Thomas Jane	...	Neal Cassady
Keanu Reeves	...	Harry
Adrien Brody	...	Ben
John Doe	...	Lewis
Claire Forlani	...	Joan
Jim Haynie	...	Jerry
Marg Helgenberger	...	Lizzy
Lucinda Jenney	...	Rosie Trickle
Gretchen Mol	...	Mary Greenway
Pat McNamara	...	Father Fletcher
Kate Williamson	...	Nurse Waring
Cristine Rose	...	Mrs. Greenaway (as Christine Rose)
Meadow Sisto	...	Sarah
Amy Smart	...	Jeananne
Alexandra Holden	...	Vicky

MPAA:

Rated R for sexuality.

Runtime:

92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color | Black and White

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:M | Spain:13 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Bates Entertainment

Trivia:

The film is based on a letter written by Cassady to Jack Kerouac in 1950.

Goofs:

Factual errors: The epilogue notes that Neal Cassady died in 1968 at the age of 42. In actuality, he died four days before his 42nd birthday.

Quotes:

Neal Cassady: You should have seen all you brought down. Sirens, ambulances, doctors, nurses, butchers, bakers. Some big fear you brought down Miss Joan.

Soundtrack:

Better Get It in Your Soul

A brilliant adaptation!

Seeing that the whole movie is based on a letter from Neal Cassidy to Jack Kerouac, I reckon Stephen Kay did an excellent job of re-creating the essence that was Cassidy and his neer-do-well existence.

You felt for Neal (played very well by Thomas Jane ). He could almost taste the sweetness of a well balanced life - the honey at home the white picket fence the dog running around in the yard, but circumstance (his likings for the female of the species, penchant for stealing cars and his friendship with good 'ol HARRY [played brilliantly by KEANU REEVES]), just got in the way of true happiness.

The supporting cast give good all round performances, especially Claire Forlani as the girl of Cassidy's 'dreams'.

This movie catches the 'beat' excellently with great visuals and a Class A soundtrack.

Highly recommended.