Review of Easy Rider (1969) by Michael S — 18 Feb 2013

If the recurring image of men on motorcycles moving stoically through beautiful vistas with rock on the soundtrack shakes you to the core, this is the film for you and will hold deep meaning. However, if that repeated motif tires you - sketch, driving scene, sketch, driving scene - this might be a classic that leaves you cold.

This is best seen loud and on a big screen and under the influence of your favorite intoxicant. Its a fascinating time capsule and mostly important for that. What's lacking is any kind of interesting thematic core that doesn't deflate as soon as you get your hands on it.

Thank goodness Jack Nicholson and Karen Black came wandering over from the Rafelson clan to inject some color character-wise. The acid trip in the New Orleans cemetary is chilling and the best scene in the movie.

The two biggest problems were that Dennis Hopper was never able to become a general in the director's chair in any meaningful way and too many people had their fingers in the pie. One gets the palpable feeling of Hopper waiting, and waiting, for the accident to occur that will elevate this thin material into spontaneous glory.

To watch this movie is to wait with him.