The Last Time I Committed Suicide (1997)

Lack of good storyline.

Brilliant and touching

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

To appreciate this film the viewer needs either to be in a jazzy, rebellious sort of mood, or have some interest in Neal Cassady, an American who figured heavily in the development of the "beat generation" of the 1950s.Set in the 1940s during one notable period of Cassady's life, the film is mostly a character study of Cassady (Thomas Jane), and his relationship with other people in his life, including his friend Harry (Keanu Reeves) and various romantic interests, the central one being Joan (Claire Forlani).But Cassady was a quirky kind of guy, a rebel, a nonconformist, fun loving, with a restless energy, a person constantly on the move, both physically and philosophically. As presented in the film, he is a cross between James Dean and Jim Morrison.Cassady's offbeat personality is mirrored in the film's offbeat style. It's shot partly in color and partly in B&W. Plot structure seems deliberately chaotic, frenetic, loose. Jump cuts can be jarring for viewers expecting a smoothly flowing, linear plot. And the tone alternates between silly and philosophical. Background music is mostly jazz with some blues thrown in. Accordingly, a lot of viewers will find the film's unorthodox style off-putting.But I liked it, for the most part. The plot would have been stronger if it had focused on Cassady's 1950s relationship with other historical figures, like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, instead of his romances with random women. Otherwise, the cinematography, the music, and the performance of Thomas Jane are terrific.

How can a film with a dream cast that includes Keanu Reeves, Adrien Brody, Marg Helgenberger, Gretchen Mol and Amy Smart go wrong? Try bad script and even worse direction. You might begin to consider suicide yourself about half an hour in.Thomas Jane headlines the cast as Neal Cassady in this headache inducing film biog. He's probably the weakest of the performers involved. But he certainly gets no help from director Stephen Kay who seems more interested in showing off his camera tricks and technique than actually directing actors and making scenes work.When this film isn't painful, its a bore. There is a reason you've never heard of "The Last Time I Committed Suicide". Be grateful and avoid if at all possible.

You know, normally when you have a good script and excellentactors on your project, you can turn out something decent, good orgreat...even when you, as the director, believe you're talented andthink you know what you're doing. But so far as "The Last Time ICommitted Suicide" is concerned, Stephen T. Kay flat out ruinedthis movie, and it is damn near unforgivable.Here we have a screenplay filled with some of the most wonderfuldialog you can imagine being delivered by a troupe of wonderfulactors. Thomas Jane gives a star making turn as Neal Cassady,and he is backed up with a startlingly naturalistic and cozy turn byKeanu Reeves as his drunk buddy, Harry. But could you enjoy thebeautiful rhythm of their work? Noooooooooo. By God, Mr. Kaywas going to remind you every step of the way that he isDIRECTING this film and you are going to pay attention to that fact,come hell or high water.I mean, here we have a quiet intense drama about a charismaticman who inspired people like Jack Kerouac and Alan Ginsberg,and the director uses every trick in "The MTV Bible of PseudoFilmography" to hide that fact and (supposedly) make it palatablefor the ADD generation. You got your jump cuts and edits every .9seconds and odd angles and pretty inserts and on and on and onuntil I finally wanted to scream at the screen, "Take a F*****Gvalium!" Drama has to unfold; it cannot be force fed down yourgullet because the man making the movie thinks you're too easilydistracted to give a damn about the characters.I've only seen one other movie where the director completelydestroyed a wonderful script -- "A Chorus of Disapproval"(although if "While You Were Sleeping" had had any other actressin the lead besides Sandra Bullock, it would also fit in this cursedcategory).So...if you like your drama spit out in food fight fashion, then this isthe movie for you. But if you want anything approaching reality,check out something like "La Dolce Vita" by Federico Fellini, whohas more style in his right pinkie than in all of Stephen T. Kay'sbody.

Seeing that the whole movie is based on a letter from Neal Cassidy to Jack Kerouac, I reckon Stephen Kay did an excellent job of re-creating the essence that was Cassidy and his neer-do-well existence.You felt for Neal (played very well by Thomas Jane ). He could almost taste the sweetness of a well balanced life - the honey at home the white picket fence the dog running around in the yard, but circumstance (his likings for the female of the species, penchant for stealing cars and his friendship with good 'ol HARRY [played brilliantly by KEANU REEVES]), just got in the way of true happiness.The supporting cast give good all round performances, especially Claire Forlani as the girl of Cassidy's 'dreams'.This movie catches the 'beat' excellently with great visuals and a Class A soundtrack.Highly recommended.