Freedom, Beer and brawling. What more is there to life?
“The Bikeriders” is a poignant exploration of the demise of a dream, capturing the essence of a Chicago motorcycle club, the Vandals MC. These bikers are driven by a thirst for freedom, riding in packs, drinking beer, and occasionally brawling only to reconcile once the adrenaline subsides. Directed by Jeff Nichols and inspired by Danny Lyon’s 1967 photo book of the same name, the film delves into the raw, unfiltered lives of these riders without succumbing to nostalgia. Instead, it showcases a tender affection for their quest for freedom on the open road.
Shot beautifully on 35mm anamorphic film by cinematographer Adam Stone, the film does not aim to mimic Lyon’s photographic style or the era’s aesthetics. Instead, it uses its setting to explore one of Nichols’s recurring themes: the struggle to hold onto love amidst adversity. This theme is evident in Nichols’s previous works, such as “Take Shelter” and “Loving,” and continues to resonate in “The Bikeriders.”
This weekend we meet Kathy, Benny and Johnny in The Bikeriders🏍
Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy star in the rugged drama following the rise of the Vandals biker club in 1968 America.
Watch the full trailer and book your tickets at ODEON📲 https://t.co/K639jc0GAq pic.twitter.com/OWd1DY4laZ
— ODEON (@ODEONCinemas) June 20, 2024
The film revolves around multiple love stories under threat. Kathy (Jodie Comer), whose interview with Lyon (played by Mike Faist) narrates the film, is in love with Benny (Austin Butler), a dedicated member of the Vandals. Benny, a rebel without a cause, is deeply committed to the club, to the point where Kathy fears his only true love might be his bike. Johnny (Tom Hardy), the club’s founder, embodies a similar stubborn pride. Inspired by Marlon Brando’s character in “The Wild One,” Johnny created the Vandals as a haven for life’s outsiders seeking purpose.
I didn’t think I could love Austin Butler more after Dune: Part 2. I was wrong. The Bikeriders (🌟🌟🌟🌟) is a fantastic film filled with fantastic performances, and none better than the film’s 32 year old star. Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon, Jodie Comer…I love you, but fall back.… pic.twitter.com/56u61ooun9
— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) June 18, 2024
Kathy’s narration, delivered in a precise Midwestern accent by Comer, adds a layer of authenticity reminiscent of Karen Hill’s voice in “Goodfellas.” However, unlike the typical Scorsese protagonist who is drawn into a monstrous order, Johnny, Benny, and Kathy are already at the heart of their idealistic world. They watch helplessly as it is slowly poisoned by external forces. Hardy effortlessly portrays the tough yet vulnerable Johnny, who sees poetry in the curves of an engine and the embrace of handlebars. To him, the Vandals represent a chance for outsiders to find meaning.
A revealing monologue by a club member, played by Nichols’s frequent collaborator Michael Shannon, highlights the resentment and aimlessness that pervade the lives of these men. The member speaks of his bitterness towards his “clean-cut, American boy” brother who was sent to Vietnam while he wasn’t, despite his attempts to enlist. This aimlessness carries a distinct scent of self-destruction.
#TheBikeriders boasts stunning visuals and stellar performances from Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy.
Despite the lackluster script, the film offers a gritty portrayal of the 1960s Chicago biker gang lifestyle. https://t.co/HJuO20S4Sb #MovieReview #NewMovie
— FanBolt (@fanbolt) June 20, 2024
As the Sixties draw to a close, external agitators infiltrate Johnny’s club, prioritizing power over loyalty. Benny, despite Butler’s charismatic performance, becomes increasingly deluded, clinging to an idea that is already dying. “The Bikeriders” ultimately transforms what could have been a romanticized ode to a subculture into a true American tragedy, showcasing the fragility of dreams and the inevitable decay of idealism in the face of reality.
Key Points;
i. Plot and Inspiration: The Bikeriders, inspired by Danny Lyon’s 1967 photo book, explores the lives of members of the Vandals MC, a Chicago motorcycle club, capturing their quest for freedom and camaraderie on the open road.
ii. Cinematic Style: Filmed on 35mm by Adam Stone, the film presents a beautifully shot, yet non-nostalgic view of the era, focusing on the raw and gritty aspects of the biker lifestyle without idealizing it.
iii. Central Themes: Directed by Jeff Nichols, the film delves into themes of love and loyalty, showcasing characters like Kathy, Benny, and Johnny, who are grappling with their attachments to their partners, bikes, and the club.
iv. Character Dynamics: The story highlights the complexities in relationships within the biker community, particularly through Kathy’s perspective, as she narrates her experiences with Benny and the struggles of maintaining their bond amidst the chaos.
v. Tragic Conclusion: As external influences begin to corrupt the Vandals MC, the film portrays the decline of their dream, transforming what could have been a romanticized depiction into a poignant American tragedy about lost ideals and self-destruction.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
