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Beat Angel

  • 2004
  • Not Rated
  • 1h 38m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
41
YOUR RATING
Beat Angel (2004)
Drama

The angelic spirit of writer Jack Kerouac returns to Earth to change the life of a writer.The angelic spirit of writer Jack Kerouac returns to Earth to change the life of a writer.The angelic spirit of writer Jack Kerouac returns to Earth to change the life of a writer.

  • Director
    • Randy Allred
  • Writers
    • Bruce Boyle
    • Frank Tabbita
    • Randy Allred
  • Stars
    • Vincent Balestri
    • Frank Tabbita
    • Lisa Niemi
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.1/10
    41
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Randy Allred
    • Writers
      • Bruce Boyle
      • Frank Tabbita
      • Randy Allred
    • Stars
      • Vincent Balestri
      • Frank Tabbita
      • Lisa Niemi
    • 4User reviews
    • 2Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos

    Top cast17

    Edit
    Vincent Balestri
    • Jack
    Frank Tabbita
    • Gerard
    Lisa Niemi
    Lisa Niemi
    • Carol
    Amy Humphrey
    • Mary
    Ross Douglas
    Ross Douglas
    • Vic
    Jimmy Henry
    • Emcee
    Graham Kerr
    Graham Kerr
    • Self
    Jeff Kuehn
    • Chester
    Lisa Bell
    • Ms. Lydia
    Susan Goforth
    Susan Goforth
    • Sweater Girl
    Doug Phillips
    Doug Phillips
    • 1969 Jack Kerouac
    Boris Schleinkofer
    • Shaggy
    Russell M. Thorson
    • Elder Poet
    Richard Diersing
    • Cowboy Poet
    Laurel Burke
    • Nun
    Mary Simmons
    Mary Simmons
    • Poet
    Sean Walker
    • Poet
    • Director
      • Randy Allred
    • Writers
      • Bruce Boyle
      • Frank Tabbita
      • Randy Allred
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews4

    8.141
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    Featured reviews

    10imdb-733

    A vividly imaginative film

    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.
    10shtuka

    The spirit of Jack Kerouac returns to right some wrongs

    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?
    8TennesseVolunteer

    Outstanding monologues delivered by Balestri

    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
    6axe_hallorann

    Future cult classic

    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.

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    Storyline

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • April 5, 2004 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site - news and information
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Beat Angel: The Spirit of Kerouac
    • Filming locations
      • Desolation Peak, North Cascade Mountains, Washington, USA
    • Production company
      • Beat Angel Productions LLC
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 38 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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