Watch Heart Beat
- R
- 1980
- 1 hr 50 min
-
5.7 (743)
Heart Beat is an American drama film that was released in 1980. It tells the story of the Beat Generation, focusing on the love triangle between the famous writers Jack Kerouac (played by Nick Nolte), Carolyn Cassady (Sissy Spacek), and Neal Cassady (John Heard). The film is directed by John Byrum and is based on Carolyn Cassady's memoir, Off the Road: My Years with Cassady, Kerouac, and Ginsberg.
The film is set in the 1950s and has a very hippie vibe to it. It takes place in San Francisco, where the Beat Generation started. The Beat Generation was a literary movement characterized by its rejection of social conventions, experimentation with drugs and sexuality, and a focus on self-expression. The film captures this very well, with the bohemian lifestyle on display throughout.
The film centers around the relationship between Jack Kerouac, Carolyn Cassady, and Neal Cassady. Jack is a famous writer who is struggling to finish his latest book. Carolyn is his muse, and Neal, her husband, is his best friend. However, Neal and Carolyn have an intense, passionate relationship that takes priority over her marriage to Neal. Their relationship is complicated and often volatile, but they cannot seem to stay away from each other.
Through the film, we watch as the three navigate their complicated feelings for each other. Alongside this, we also see the Beat Generation in all its glory. The film captures the party scene, the drugs, the music, and the free love on display during this time.
The cinematography in Heart Beat is exceptional, and the film has a very distinct look. It captures the San Francisco vibe perfectly, with its bright colors and eccentric characters. The soundtrack is also great, with a mix of songs from the era and some original tracks. The music really adds to the overall vibe of the film.
The performances in the film are excellent. Nick Nolte is fantastic as Jack Kerouac, bringing a deep sense of melancholy to the character. Sissy Spacek is also great as Carolyn Cassady, capturing both her deep love for Neal and her complicated relationship with Jack. John Heard is fantastic as Neal Cassady, bringing a raw energy to the character that perfectly captures the spirit of the Beat Generation.
Overall, Heart Beat is an excellent film that captures the Beat Generation perfectly. It's a film about love, creativity, and the search for meaning. It's a very different film from most mainstream movies, but that's what makes it so special. If you're a fan of the Beat Generation or just looking for something a little different, then Heart Beat is not to be missed!
Heart Beat is a 1980 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.