Jack Kerouac and the Gypsy Curse

If you're easily annoyed by writers and artists "yakking," as Jack Kerouac might put it, you may want to avoid Curt Worden's One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur (2008/2009). On the other hand, if you like Kerouac and are patient, this documentary will be worthwhile.

First, what is the Gypse Curse? "May you get exactly what you think you want" is one variation. Be careful what you wish for. Becoming famous may be hazardous to your health -- or to someone else's health: just ask Mel Gibson, or Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and all down the line. Keoruac definitely has a station down that line. Don't get off there if you want to get out alive. But no one does anyway, so why the hell not?

One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Kerouac knew if he didn't regroup from alcohol poisoning, he'd be dead fast, he'd be gone. He went to Big Sur to "dry out." It didn't work. He died at 47 -- nine years after the Big Sur interlude. But he wrote in the meantime, including the novel that became Big Sur (1962).

The film includes good footage that I'd never seen, same with the new photos; Big Sur, New York City and San Francisco scenery; and an effective sampling of Kerouac's voice, rendered in most excellent fashion by John Ventimiglia (the dude who played Artie Bucco in The Sopranos) -- he sounds eerily like Jack Kerouac.




















Today's Rune: Journey.