Subterranea (2016)

The Subterraneans (1960): A Dive into the Beat Generation's Psyche

The 1960 film The Subterraneans is a noteworthy adaptation of Jack Kerouac's 1958 novel of the same name, set in the vibrant and tumultuous era of the Beat Generation. This movie delves into the bohemian lifestyle of post-war America, drawing audiences into the underground world of jazz, poetry, and shifting relationship dynamics. Directed by Ranald MacDougall, the film takes a closer look at love, identity, and cultural clashing during an era that valued expression and rebellion.

Plot Summary:

The story centers around Leo, a writer and aspiring poet, played by George Peppard, who becomes enamored with Mardou Fox, a free-spirited and quick-witted young woman portrayed by Leslie Caron. Mardou is a part of the 'subterraneans,' a group of eccentrics and artists who live unconventional lives on the fringes of society, often engaging with jazz clubs and exploring alternative lifestyles.

As Leo navigates this underground scene, he experiences a passionate but complicated romance with Mardou, exploring themes of racial tension, cultural identity, and the search for personal freedom. The film paints a vivid picture of the Beat-era San Francisco underground, documenting not just the personal journeys of the characters but also the cultural milieu that shaped the time.

Main Cast and Crew:

• Leslie Caron as Mardou Fox: Acclaimed for her grace and emotional depth, Caron brings complexity and charm to the role of Mardou, encapsulating the spirit of the Beat Generation's muse with her dynamic performance.
• George Peppard as Leo Percepied: Peppard portrays the earnest and introspective writer with subtlety, depicting the internal struggles of a man caught between conventional expectations and the call of the avant-garde.
• Director: Ranald MacDougall, known for his sensitive storytelling and screenwriting prowess, leads the film with an intention to faithfully transpose Kerouac’s narrative spirit to the screen while navigating the cinematic constraints of the time.
• Writer: The screenplay was adapted by Ranald MacDougall himself, capturing the novel’s essence and bringing the Beat lifestyle to the visual medium.

Cultural Context and Film Style:

Based on Jack Kerouac’s novel, which is semi-autobiographical, the movie attempts to showcase the counterculture of the late 1950s and early 1960s, emphasizing the jazz music scene, spontaneous prose, and bohemian lifestyle. However, the film is often noted for its Hollywood gloss compared to the rawness of the novel. Despite this, it remains an important cinematic effort to portray the Beat Generation's ethos and struggles.

The director, Ranald MacDougall, who had a background in literary screenplays, brings a narrative structure that, while more conventional than the free-flowing style typical of Beat literature, allows audiences a clearer window into the characters' emotional landscapes. This approach made the story more accessible to mainstream audiences at the time.

Music and Soundtrack:

The jazz music, an essential underpinning of the Beat movement, features prominently throughout the film, infusing scenes with an authentic bohemian feel. The music was arranged by André Previn, whose jazz scores effectively brought alive the restless and improvisational spirit of the subterranean world. The soundtrack blends traditional jazz instruments and rhythms to recreate the ambiance of the club scenes, which are pivotal in establishing the film's tone.

Reception and Legacy:

While the movie received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics pointing out its sanitization of the Beat lifestyle to fit the Hollywood mold, it nonetheless stands as a significant cinematic artifact. It introduced many viewers to the ideas and aesthetics of the Beat Generation, shining a light on a culture that was then burgeoning beneath the surface of mainstream American life.

Conclusion:

The Subterraneans (1960) serves as both a cultural document and a romance, exploring a fascinating subculture through the lens of a conflicted love story. With Leslie Caron and George Peppard leading the cast, under the direction and screenplay of Ranald MacDougall, the film offers a stylized portrayal of Jack Kerouac’s introspective and vibrant world. For those interested in American literary adaptations, Beat culture, or cinematic history of the 1960s, The Subterraneans presents a compelling, if sometimes idealized, glimpse into an era that continues to influence art and literature today.

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