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Jack Kerouac's Road - A Franco-American Odyssey

Part documentary, part drama, this film presents the life and work of Jack Kerouac, an American writer with Québec roots who became one of the most important spokesmen for his generation. Intercut with archival footage, photographs and interviews, this film takes apart the heroic myth and even returns to the childhood of the author whose life and work contributed greatly to the cultural, sexual and social revolution of the 1960s.
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Part documentary, part drama, this film presents the life and work of Jack Kerouac, an American writer with Québec roots who became one of the most important spokesmen for his generation. Intercut with archival footage, photographs and interviews, this film takes apart the heroic myth and even returns to the childhood of the author whose life and work contributed greatly to the cultural, sexual and social revolution of the 1960s.

Social Issues Literature and Language All subjects
Fascinating People All channels
  • director
    Herménégilde Chiasson
  • producer
    Éric Michel
  • camera
    Jean-Pierre Lachapelle
  • sound
    Richard Besse
    Yvon Benoît
    Michel Charron
  • editing
    France Pilon
  • sound editing
    Alain Belhumeur
    Louis Dupire
  • re-recording
    Jean-Pierre Joutel
  • narrator
    Michael Rudder
  • music
    Robert M. Lepage
  • cast
    Albert Belzile
    Bertholet Charron
    Mance Émond
    Carl Helmy
    Freddy Helmy
    Guy Nadon
    Clarence Poirier

Education

Ages 16 to 17

Notes

This documentary is a valuable addition to any classroom analysis of the works of Jack Kerouac. After screening the film, ask students to read one of his novels and analyze it with an eye to understanding his creative process. The analysis can be conducted as a team project, with students each reading different works so as to achieve a broader perspective.

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Jack Kerouac's Road - A Franco-American Odyssey
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