"The difficulties we encountered were mainly due to the complexity of the project and the need to make the film with a small budget [U.S. $ 25 million]. But the limits have worked in favor of the film." Other items helped production, as the passion of the actors for the original book. That´s the case of Kristen Stewart, who lives Marylou. "'On the Road' was one of her favorite book," says Salles, who directed the star of "Twilight" with no problem, even in scenes of total nudity. "There is a quality of freedom in Marylou, a desire for experimentation and Kristen knew well." Sam Riley, who plays Kerouac's alter ego, Sal Paradise, and Garrett Hedlund (his friend Dean Moriarty), embarked soon after. But who was impressive was Viggo Mortensen in the role of William Burroughs. "He came ready to the set, with the clothes of the character, the typewriter and the gun he used in 1949. It was an impressive transformation."

Walter Salles talks about casting the main actors.

"Most of the cast was invited early in the process, five years ago. Kirsten Dunst was the first person I met to talk about Camille. Garrett Hedlund appeared in audition, coming directly from the farm where he lived in Minnesota, near Fargo, the city where the Coen brothers filmed. He brought a text about the trip he had made. It was as remarkable as his test. Sam Riley also did a great test after I've seen Control , and I was amazed by his performance as Ian Curtis. Kristen Stewart was invited almost as soon as Kirsten Dunst, thanks to Gustavo Santaolalla and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who had seen the first cut of the film by Sean Penn, Into the Wild . They said that we could stop looking for Marylou, because we just saw a 16 years old girl that was perfect for the role. I remember I had to make a note of Kristen´s name at that time."

Source: 1 | 2 | Via KstewAngel | Translation via Robstenation