Review of Easy Rider (1969) by Matthew D — 05 Dec 2018

A slow burn road trip across America.

Easy Rider (1969) is the iconic directorial debut from Dennis Hopper. His style is rough and meandering, but he captures an honesty about America in the late 1960's. It's not all fun and good times. There is dirty hippies, weed smoking, prejudiced rednecks, psychedelic acid trips, and free wheeling sightseeing. America looks beautiful, but the people reveal themselves to be the problem. If only Hopper had shortened or cut out the hippie commune and drug deal intro to get things moving a littler sooner.

Easy Rider a fascinating time period of letting go of your life and just driving around the country and experiencing life. One can see the appeal of the rustic natural environment and the wide open road. Easy Rider will at least make you want some fresh air.

I'll be honest about Easy Rider. It is a truly great classic film that has one of the worst first half hours to a movie you can imagine. Once Jack Nicholson appears as a sleazy Southern lawyer looking for a new start, Easy Rider finally catches its stride. Nicholson adds some much needed perspective and conversation that is inspired. That last hour of Easy Rider is the real charming look at Americana. Easy Rider certainly is a slow burn, but I am always satisfied by the last two thirds of the movie, especially the ending left me with striking impression.

The soundtrack and the imagery are both iconic and deservedly so. The music of Easy Rider is full of classic rock tunes that just give an atmosphere and enjoyment. The persona Peter Fonda gives off is that of the ultimate cool biker. He is laid back and kind, but real sleek in his black leather attire. Dennis Hopper's cowboy meets wastrel is funny, but also completely insane. Fonda and Hopper both give great performances.

Kick back and drive on with Easy Rider if you are in the mood.