The entire team of On The Road, by Brazilian director Walter Salles in Competition, attended this morning's press conference:

Walter Salles, on the birth of his film :
"It took us eight years to make this film. We even thought of making a documentary which would serve as a foundation. The story is really more about the period leading up to the Beat Generation. It charts the social and political awakening of two young people discovering a new and unfamiliar human geography."

Walter Salles on the key role played by the actors in putting the film together:
"I see all the actors as co-writers of the film. We went further than the book while remaining faithful to its spirit, We tried to work in a spirit of permanent improvisation."

Viggo Mortensen, on the contemporary relevance of Kerouac's book:
"I re-read the book for the film and became aware of how very relevant it is for today's world. Today too you can sense a sort of rejection of the economic crisis and the authorities on the part of young people. It was thus a very opportune moment to release the film. Both people of my generation, who will have read the book with a sort of nostalgia, and young people can identify with this period, with what went on. What I like about the book is the scope it leaves for multiple interpretations. Walter has created something really new with these characters, he didn't just go for a carbon copy."

Kirsten Stewart, on her character Marylou:
"I really like Marylou's character. The strength of her personality and the relevance of what she says are striking. She's not a rebel, she's just herself. Her main aim is to be fully human. For me, she embodies the spirit of the book. In moment of doubt when shooting, I really felt her there with me."

Reported by BPThe entire team of On The Road, by Brazilian director Walter Salles in Competition, attended this morning's press conference:

Walter Salles, on the birth of his film :
"It took us eight years to make this film. We even thought of making a documentary which would serve as a foundation. The story is really more about the period leading up to the Beat Generation. It charts the social and political awakening of two young people discovering a new and unfamiliar human geography."

Walter Salles on the key role played by the actors in putting the film together:
"I see all the actors as co-writers of the film. We went further than the book while remaining faithful to its spirit, We tried to work in a spirit of permanent improvisation."