Herzschläge

Fictionalized account of the friendship between writers Nick Cassady and Jack Kerouac, members of the so-called Beat Generation of the late 1950s. Writer-director John Byrum takes a sketchy, connect-the-dots approach to these famous people, and his opaque screenplay, adapted from Carolyn Cassady's memoirs, leaves the actors (Nick Nolte as Cassady, John Heard as Kerouac, Sissy Spacek as Carolyn) often looking as if they haven't been clued-in. There are moments when the cast and the well-realized surroundings warrant far more interest than the story or the dialogue, and that's a weak obstacle in a film about writers. The film is also extremely somber, with only bits and pieces of quirky humor (thanks to a supporting turn by Ray Sharkey) to elevate the depressive air of self-conceit. Visually impressive production, solid work from the men, but Spacek's role is underwritten. ** from ****

Potentially fascinating topic, three of my all time favorite actors at their hottest, and complete bore. John Heard, who plays Jack Kerouac, tells a story about how amazing a young Jessica Lange was when she auditioned for this and Bynum dismissed her as 'just a model'. He brings the fine judgment to every project(see or rather, don't see 'Inserts' or 'The Razor's Edge'). I will give the most some credit for giving the Carolyn Cassidy unexpected agency in what easily could be a highbrow bromance. Sissy Spacek is very good and would win her Oscar for 'Coal Miner's Daughter' which came out the same year. See 'Chilly Scenes of Winter' or 'Cutter's Way' to see how wasted Heard is in this.

Carolyn Cassady (Sissy Spacek) recounts her time with Neal Cassady (Nick Nolte) and Jack Kerouac (John Heard). Kerouac is struggling to write his iconic works and struggling to get anyone to publish them. Everybody likes Neal. Ira is supposed to be Allen Ginsberg. This is the Beat Generation. I do like that they are stealing food and gas and the like. The movie seems reluctant to go too hard. It is based on Carolyn Cassady's autobiography. Despite these great actors, there is barely any heat in these performances. There is really no heat in this couple. Nick Nolte only lets loose a few times in fighting against suburbia. Sissy Spacek is a wet blanket by comparison. It's a slow grind for the most part. This is for Beat Generation fans.

Heart Beat is an excellent little film. All of the actors manage to capture their characters. Subtle dynamic between cassidy and kerouac without a lot of 'acting'. Altho ray sharkey is a bit nuts, i suspect his ginsberg is not far off the mark. a good film & one i recommend.

This was a find with On-Demand. The price was right (free)and I could watch it without leaving the house, so nothing was lost except time. That being said, this is probably a film that fans of Nick Nolte, Ray Sharkey and Beat Generation culture would enjoy. Nolte is in the waning days of his "pretty boy" phase, but he gives a gritty performance. Ray Sharkey's maniacal turn as Ira makes you wonder "what-if" all the more. The Beat Generation backdrop seems a little too clean at times, but it gets a fair shot. However, Sissy Spacek is handed a character that she can't do anything with. This comes from the overly broad brush strokes that the filmmaker uses, which leaves little room for Spacek to work.

All in all, not a bad film; just not one for the ages.