Big Sur Soundtrack (

Big Sur Soundtrack (2013) cover

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Rating: 5.80/10 from 2100 votes
Tags: big sur, beat generation
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Big Sur
Title in Italiano:

Big Sur
Title in Português:

Big Sur

Synopsis

Sudden fame and a self-destructive lifestyle were taking a toll on Jack Kerouac's mind and body following the unparalleled success of the groundbreaking novel, On The Road. Once the handsome literary maverick and hero of the Beat Generation, Kerouac now sees only a vestige of his former self, ravaged by alcohol and drugs, aged beyond his years and tormented by self-doubt.

Questioning his talent, his faith, and his mortality, Kerouac leaves New York for California, on a quest for redemption at an isolated, fog-banked cabin in the primitive landscape of the Big Sur woods. What ensues in those fateful 3 weeks of August, 1960, is both terrifying and revelatory. While Kerouac is able to find beauty and elation in his surroundings, the dichotomy of his psyche renders him unable to face his demons alone.

He sets off on a visceral collision course of paranoia, sex, delirium tremens, misery and madness. His desperation culminates in an intense, hallucinatory breakdown, but the duality of his nature (again) comes into play and he emerges from his dark place - however fleeting - with a modicum of peace and optimism.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
Big Sur
Tiger Rag
Charlie Parker: Performer
Nick LaRocca: Writer
Bill Bailey
Hughie Cannon: Writer
Zoot Sims: Performer
Day Break Blues
Sonny Thompson: Performer
Goin' To Mexico
Sonny Thompson: Performer
Big Bad Buelah
Sonny Thompson: Performer
Hi Ho
Sonny Thompson: Performer

User reviews

Jennifer Phillips
8/10

The emotional depth and complexity of the soundtrack mirror the dichotomy of Kerouac's psyche, providing a poignant backdrop to his struggles with fame, addiction, and self-discovery.

Daniel Williams
8/10

The music enhances the atmospheric setting of the Big Sur woods, immersing the audience in the isolation and introspection that Kerouac experiences during his quest for redemption.

Daniel Parker
5/10

The use of haunting melodies and dissonant chords in the soundtrack effectively conveys Kerouac's inner turmoil and the intensity of his struggles with self-doubt, addiction, and existential questions.

Edward Mitchell
5/10

The soundtrack's ability to shift from moments of beauty and elation to paranoia and madness mirrors the dichotomy of Kerouac's psyche, creating a compelling and immersive listening experience that enhances the emotional depth of the film.

Elizabeth Turner
2/10

The lack of thematic consistency in the soundtrack of Big Sur detracts from the overall coherence of the film. The disjointed combination of musical styles and tones fails to create a cohesive atmosphere that complements the narrative arc of Kerouac's journey towards redemption and self-discovery.

Sarah Martinez
1/10

The soundtrack of Big Sur fails to capture the emotional depth and intensity of Jack Kerouac's inner turmoil and self-destructive spiral during his time in California. The music feels disconnected from the raw and visceral experiences depicted in the film, missing the opportunity to enhance the audience's understanding of Kerouac's struggles.

Joseph Turner
8/10

The soundtrack of Big Sur perfectly captures the tumultuous inner journey of Jack Kerouac, from self-doubt and despair to moments of beauty and optimism.

Joshua Scott
6/10

The soundtrack of Big Sur successfully captures the tumultuous inner journey of Jack Kerouac, reflecting his descent into self-destructive behaviors and his search for redemption in the isolated Big Sur woods.