EH: We decided to take the same approach we took with our Kerouac film. We chose to follow the same approach as we did for On the road Speak honestly about our own lenses. Ebs was black, gay, and American. He said, “I could never have taken this trip growing up in America.” I was a female and thought “Yeah. He’s right.” It was very, extremely scary. So we started to have more conversations about America and also about how the more things changed, the more they stay the same, how it is still problematic to travel through certain states yet, there’s that great, big loop in America—that no matter what’s happening politically, the road also connects you to the rest of the country, and it is this big, complicated thing.
It’s impossible to generalize, everyone is different, everything’s complex. Kerouac’s language was a reflection of his privileged white male viewpoint. And when we spoke with his former girlfriend Joyce Johnson to make the film, Joyce Johnson said that while men could do what they pleased, women were restricted by the lack of birth control. We used old archival footage to contrast with the new footage. We wanted to showcase the beauty, complexity, diversity, as well the political aspects of America. Now, you can’t produce, direct, or write anything about these books without incorporating all this history.
Did you have a favorite road that you remember filming on?
EB: I enjoy being on the road in Louisiana because I am also a Louisiana fan. New OrleansIt’s a magical place. It is a part of Southern Gothic. I loved New Mexico as well. Seeing long stretches and then suddenly being under a different type of big sky. Colorado The following are some examples of how to get started: Wyoming. I really enjoyed the scenery on the roadside, the Cadillac Ranch, then stopping for like a big, double Porterhouse. You can do some interesting and fun things while driving. For example, you could stop at the side of the highway and marvel at the amazing art installation. It’s the magic in the novel. But I also think it’s the magic of America, as we are a quilt of different people and places, all of which are stitched together by our roads.
EH: Amir has a special place in my heart. Amir’s journey from Philadelphia to Atlanta was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had while filming. Philly was very eye-opening. Especially when we filmed Amir on his walk to school and then spent time at his house. We walked with him to his school from the three bedroom apartment he shared with eight other people. From a lot project housing, to beautiful single family homes and lovely green lawns. It was very poignant to see him walk to the school and hear about what it meant to him.
