The Last Time I Committed Suicide (1997)
The American drama film, The Last Time I Committed Suicide (1997), directed by Stephen T. Kay, is based on a 1950 letter from Neal Cassady to Jack Kerouac. Presented as a letter from Cassady’s perspective, the movie explores his life before and after his lover Joan’s suicide attempt. Jumping back and forth between these two time periods allows the audience to see Cassady’s active mind and constantly shifting thoughts. The story begins with Cassady sitting outside Joan’s hospital room on the day of her suicide attempt. Then, we are taken to the day before, where a rain-soaked Cassady takes Joan away from work for an intimate evening together. Despite her sadness, Cassady continues to express his love for her, until we return to the present in the silent hospital room where he is eventually asked to leave.
As the story unfolds, Ben pays a visit to Neal’s place. Curious, he asks if Neal has returned to the hospital recently, to which Neal responds in the negative. The scene then shifts to a wide-awake Neal, having breakfast with Ben. In a frenzied state, he excitedly shares his idea for a new story with Ben. Later on, while out and about, Neal encounters his friend Harry, who suggests they go on a wild road trip in a stolen car and try to pick up some girls. Racing through the countryside at breakneck speeds, they have the time of their lives. However, when Neal is at work in a tire plant, his friend Jerry comes to his rescue as he notices that Neal is high and prevents him from getting into trouble. Eventually, after making amends with Joan, Neal decides to settle down with her.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Thomas JaneNeal Cassady  Keanu ReevesHarry  Adrien BrodyBen  John DoeLewis  Claire ForlaniJoan  Jim HaynieJerry  Marg HelgenbergerLizzy  Lucinda JenneyRosie Trickle  Gretchen MolMary Greenway |
The American drama film, The Last Time I Committed Suicide (1997), directed by Stephen T. Kay, is based on a 1950 letter from Neal Cassady to Jack Kerouac. Presented as a letter from Cassady’s perspective, the movie explores his life before and after his lover Joan’s suicide attempt. Jumping back and forth between these two time periods allows the audience to see Cassady’s active mind and constantly shifting thoughts. The story begins with Cassady sitting outside Joan’s hospital room on the day of her suicide attempt. Then, we are taken to the day before, where a rain-soaked Cassady takes Joan away from work for an intimate evening together. Despite her sadness, Cassady continues to express his love for her, until we return to the present in the silent hospital room where he is eventually asked to leave.
As the story unfolds, Ben pays a visit to Neal’s place. Curious, he asks if Neal has returned to the hospital recently, to which Neal responds in the negative. The scene then shifts to a wide-awake Neal, having breakfast with Ben. In a frenzied state, he excitedly shares his idea for a new story with Ben. Later on, while out and about, Neal encounters his friend Harry, who suggests they go on a wild road trip in a stolen car and try to pick up some girls. Racing through the countryside at breakneck speeds, they have the time of their lives. However, when Neal is at work in a tire plant, his friend Jerry comes to his rescue as he notices that Neal is high and prevents him from getting into trouble. Eventually, after making amends with Joan, Neal decides to settle down with her.
