The Last Time I Committed Suicide *** (1997, Thomas Jane, Keanu Reeves, Adrien Brody, John Doe, Claire Forlani, Marg Helgenberger, Lucinda Jenney, Gretchen Moll) – Classic Movie Review 7071

Thomas Jane stars as the doomed and tormented real-life Neal Cassady, living the beat life during the 1940s, in writer-director Stephen T Kay’s taut and compelling little 1997 biographical drama, based on Cassady’s own life story, and in particular a letter he wrote to the beat poet Jack Kerouak.

In a character acting role, a tubby, sweaty Keanu Reeves gives a sterling support performance, as Harry, in this gripping independent drama – just the kind of thing you would not expect him to do at the superstar stage of his career.

The Last Time I Committed Suicide is an ideal US independent film with a lot of credibility, smouldering power and intelligence, and well acted all round by a strong cast.

Also in the cast are Adrien Brody, John Doe, Claire Forlani, Marg Helgenberger, Lucinda Jenney, Gretchen Moll, Pat McNamara, Jim Haynie, Cristine Rose, Amy Smart, Meadow Sisto and Kate Williamson.

The Last Time I Committed Suicide is directed by Stephen T Kay, runs 92 minutes, is a Kushner-Locke Company, Bates Entertainment, Tapestry Films production, is distributed by New City Releasing, is written by Stephen T Kay, is shot by Bobby Bukowski, is produced by Edward Bates and Louise Rosner, is scored by Tyler Bates and is designed by Amy B Ancona.

It was made for only $4,000,000, but took $46,362 at the US box office on limited release.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7071

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