It is an adaptation of the 1957 novel of the same name by Jack Kerouac.

www.en.wikipedia.org

On The Road is the story of Sal Paradise, an aspiring New York writer, and Dean Moriarty, a devastatingly charming ex-con, married to the very liberated and seductive Marylou. Sal and Dean bond instantly instantly upon meeting. Determined not to get locked in to a constricted life, the two friends cut their ties and take to the road with Marylou. Thirsting for freedom, the three young people head off in search of the world, of other encounters, and of themselves.

READ THE BOOK INSTEAD

Mon dieu all wrong. Walter Salles tried to adapt a brilliant novel and crucified it instead.

I had high hopes for a film that had so much potential that didn't click.

We watched and waited for the magic. We couldn't stick it out to the end, switching off with 20 minutes to go.

Blah.