Beat Angel

I don't think it takes a breadth of knowledge about the beats and Kerouac to really appreciate the creativity that flows colorfully from this film. Vincent Balestri is magic in the making here. He delivers such a lively and poignant performance that Kerouac himself would approve. The idea behind the film is pretty interesting, but the indie quality of the shots, particularly the low- budget sound, work against the power and force behind the voices giving their performance. However, this film does not disappoint, and my only request is that it will be released to a wider audience, either through a physical media (VHS, DVD) or as a certain instant-hit online as a indie beat movie that is freely distributable and exchangeable. There is no question in my mind that this would launch the national careers of the men and women in this film.

The long single-take monologues by Balestri are amazing. I was surprised to see this was produced in 2004, the retro feel is very authentic. I would like to see an updated version with better production values, but could anyone do Kerouac as well as Balestri? I will be viewing other films that Balestri is in after seeing him in this film. The story beginning highlighting death by alcohol is an under-explored issue in this film in my opinion, posthumous appreciation is a sad commentary on our society, but such is the price of being on the the bleeding edge of art, literature, social issues, etc. The Beat Museum in S.F. offers a money back guarantee on this film, I won't be taking them up on that guarantee. I can't decide which of my creative friends to forward this film to first. I would love to hear your comments directly: gstb58x @ yahoo.com

I recently had an opportunity to see the film. Although I studied literature in college, I read little Jack Kerouac. Fortunately this film does not require being an erudite on beat literature to appreciate. In fact, the film whets my appetite to read more. The style of the Beat Angel captures the look and feel of classic films from the late sixties and early seventies: The editing and photography reminded me of Alice's Restaurant and Easy Rider. Technically speaking, Beat Angel is right on the mark. The locations were intimate and warm, and the on-location mountain trek scenes were quite impressive. The acting is very solid: Frank Tabbita and Vincent Balestri give moving and heartfelt performances. Tabbita's character undergoes a painful transformation from a bitter jerk to a more empathetic person seeking enlightenment under the tutelage of Kerouac. Balestri as the spirit of Kerouac is stunning. There are long, single-take, monologues delivered by Balestri that show his passion for Kerouac and his philosophy of life and literature. I was very impressed with the story, the acting, and the overall production. Refreshing and surprisingly original, Beat Angel is a unique excursion into beat literature and culture. This film could easily become a cult classic and find its way into classrooms as required viewing. I feel confident that anyone with an appreciation of literature and/or independent film will enjoy Beat Angel.

Vince Balestri's portrayal of Jack Kerouac is riveting, moving and just plan fun. I'm told he performed a one-man stage show of Kerouac for years before doing this film,and it shows. Frank Tabbitta plays a disillusioned writer on the brink of selling out when he is visiting by a stranger who, miraculously appears to be Jack Kerouac. The story is simple and sometimes a little too "low budget" looking. I wish the print I saw was of better quality. Perhaps that's why this film hasn't been in wider release. Yet, you can tell this little indie gem is a labor of love. Again, Balestri's portrayal is well worth seeing. He brings Kerouac to life. I just want to know: when will it be released to a wider audience?