Review of Easy Rider (1969) by John B — 05 Feb 2016

One of my favourite films of all time. Produced, written, directed and acted by Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda, this really demonstrates the brilliance of these 2 counter-culture Hollywood figures. This is a slice of young angst and Americana from the late 60s. The hippie and anti-establishment movement was taking shape with America's young and this film was a rallying cry.

Peter Fonda as Captain America and Dennis Hopper as Billy in their defining roles. Even Jack Nicholson joins them for the ride at one point. Dennis Hopper reprieves qualities of his character here with that in Apocalypse Now.

As our 2 anti-heroes plod along their journey, they become involved in different situations and experiences. Note an early appearance by Phil Spector. They visit a brothel where a young Karen Black and Toni Basel ("Hey Mickey!") are prostitutes. There is even a trip-out sequence at a New Orleans graveyard for those who want to drop acid at the end of the film. They visit a farmer's house and share a meal with his family:

"You've got a nice place. It's not every man that can live off the land, you know. You do your own thing in your own time. You should be proud.".

Easy Rider was an influential film in its day. I even remember wearing an Easy Rider t-shirt as a young lad. The film defined the hippie way of living off the land, not being tied down to capital, man. Unfortunately, this great film seems to have much of its lustre over the decades.