Watch What Happened To Kerouac?

What Happened To Kerouac? is a 1986 documentary film based on the life of the legendary beat poet Jack Kerouac. Directed by Richard Lerner and Lewis MacAdams, the film has an engaging style that draws the viewer into the life and times of one of America's greatest literary figures. Kerouac's writing style and the beat generation ethos that he embodied during the 1950s and 60s have had a significant and enduring impact on modern American culture.

The film features interviews with many of Kerouac's contemporaries, including Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs, as well as with scholars and literary critics who offer insights into his work. It is centered on the story of Jan Kerouac, Jack's only child, who was 12 when her father died in 1969. Jan, who was raised by her mother, Joan Haverty, grew up without a father and with a somewhat distorted picture of him in her mind. The film chronicles Jan's attempt to come to terms with her relationship with her father, who is portrayed in the film as a tragic hero, an icon of American literature who struggled with alcoholism, fame, and mental illness.

Through a series of interviews and archival footage, we see how Kerouac became a cultural icon, not only because of the publication of his seminal work, On The Road, but also because of his persona, his love of jazz and his role in popularizing the Beat Generation. The film also delves into the darker side of Kerouac's life, particularly his mental illness and his addiction to alcohol. The scenes in which Kerouac, played by Gregory Corso, is struggling with his addiction show him to be a tragic figure, struggling to hold onto his artistic vision while losing himself in a world of alcohol and drugs.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the way it portrays the complex relationship between Jan and her father. Jan, who was born out of wedlock, was never recognized by Kerouac as his daughter, which left a deep emotional scar in her. As an adult, Jan struggles with addiction and self-destructive behavior, which she attributes to her father's legacy. The film shows Jan's journey to understand the man behind the myth, to come to terms with her own identity, and ultimately, to reconcile with him in her own way.

Herbert Huncke, who was a close friend of Kerouac, also features prominently in the film. Huncke, who was a hustler and a drug addict, was a major influence on Kerouac's writing, and the two men remained close friends throughout their lives. The film shows how Huncke's own experiences with addiction and criminality influenced Kerouac's writing, particularly in his portrayal of the drifters and outcasts who populate his work.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring music by jazz greats such as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk. The music provides a perfect backdrop for the film's exploration of Kerouac's vision, which was deeply influenced by jazz and the improvisation of that art form.

All in all, What Happened To Kerouac? is a fascinating and engaging portrait of one of America's most iconic writers. It offers an intimate look into his personal struggle with addiction and fame, while also exploring his legacy and influence on American culture. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Beat Generation, and for anyone who wants to understand the complex relationship between art, addiction, and identity.

What Happened To Kerouac? is a 1986 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.